GB2615062A

GB2615062A - Hair styling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2615062A
Application number: GB2117738.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lawrence Tweedie Robert; Mark Parmenter Jacob; Fleming MacFadyen John
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-08
Filing date: 2021-12-08
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Also published as: CN118354698A; GB202117738D0; WO2023105184A1

Abstract

A hair styling apparatus 100 comprising a steam supply system with a water cavity 112, a heating element, and a steam outlet 113, and an airflow path 119. A portion of the airflow path is in thermal communication with the steam supply system for transfer of heat from the steam supply system to air in the airflow path, such that heated air is discharged from an airflow outlet (120, fig.1A). A pump 114 may move water from a reservoir 110 to the cavity, and an air mover 109 may move air along the airflow path. A heat exchanger 111 may provide said thermal communication, which may define the cavity and include fins 121 projecting into the airflow path. The airflow and steam outlets may be provided on an external, hair-facing surface 105 of an elongate arm 101, which also houses the heat exchanger. First and second such relatively movable arms may be provided. A controller 126 may control the apparatus in a steam phase or an air-drying phase.

Description

HAIR STYLING APPARATUS

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hair styling apparatus for applying heat to a user's hair to form the hair into a desired shape.

Background

Hair styling apparatuses, such as hair straightening devices, curlers, heated brushes, and hair dryers, can be used to form hair into a desired shape or style. Typically, such devices achieve this styling by application of energy, in the form of heat, to a user's hair. This breaks chemical bonds in the hair, which allows the hair to be reshaped (i.e. into a shape other than its natural shape). The heat required to break these bonds is commonly provided by hot plates.

For example, a typical hair straightening device includes two hingedly connected arms, each arm including a hot plate that faces the hot plate of the other arm. The arms can be moved between an open position in which a tress of hair can be received between the hot plates and a closed position in which the hair is clamped between the hot plates. A user can then move the device along the tress of hair to straighten the tress of hair.

Hot plates rely on conduction to provide heat to a tress of hair. However, because hair is an insulator, heat transfer to the centre of a tress of hair is not particularly efficient. To ensure that heat is transferred to the centre of the tress of hair it is necessary to operate the hot plates at high temperatures (e.g. above 150°C). If not managed correctly, these high temperatures can result in heat damage to a user's hair.

An alternative to providing heat via hot plates is to use steam to apply heat to a user's hair. Steam relies on convection to transfer heat to the tress of hair, which is better at ensuring uniform heat application than conduction. This means steam, which is at a lower temperature than a typical hot plate, can provide the same effect as (and in some cases a better effect than) a hot plate.

The lower temperature of steam (100°C) reduces or eliminates the risk of hair damage but presents other problems. Firstly, the use of steam can significantly increase the moisture content of the user's hair, which may be undesirable (and in some cases can be detrimental to achieving the desired shape). Secondly, the production of steam requires more components than the application of heat via hot plates. This can lead to a device that is bulkier, more complex, and more costly to produce.

The present disclosure has been devised in light of the above considerations.

Summary

In a first aspect, there is provided a hair styling apparatus comprising: a steam supply system comprising a cavity for receipt of water, a heating element configured to heat water in the cavity to generate steam, and a steam outlet in fluid communication with the cavity and arranged to discharge generated steam from the apparatus; and an airflow path extending from an airflow inlet to an airflow outlet, a portion of the airflow path in thermal communication with the steam supply system for transfer of heat from the steam supply system to air in the airflow path, the airflow outlet being arranged to discharge heated air from the apparatus.

The provision of an airflow path that is in thermal communication with the steam supply system means that air in the airflow path can be heated by the steam supply system. This can eliminate the need for a separate dedicated heater to heat air in the airflow path. In turn, this can help to minimise the size and weight of the apparatus (because fewer components are required to achieve the same effect). Likewise, such an arrangement can reduce the complexity of the apparatus, increasing reliability of the apparatus and making it more cost effective to manufacture.

Providing an airflow outlet (for discharge of heated air) in addition to a steam outlet means that the apparatus is able to discharge both steam and heated air onto a tress of hair. The provision of heated air in addition to steam means that it can be used to remove moisture present in a tress of hair due to a preceding application of steam. By drying the hair, the heated air can help to set a style/shape that is formed during the application of the steam. Further, like steam, heated air effects heat transfer by way of convection and can therefore be provided at a lower temperature than a hot plate (i.e. avoiding potential heat damage).

Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise a water reservoir and a water flow path extending from the reservoir to the cavity. The reservoir may be removable from the apparatus to allow it to be filled with water. The reservoir may comprise an opening for filling the reservoir with water.

The apparatus may comprise a pump (also referred to as a water pump herein) configured to move water from the reservoir to the cavity. The pump may be configured to control the flow rate of water from the reservoir to the cavity. The flow rate provided by the pump may be controllable.

The pump may be controllable to control the flow rate of water from the reservoir to the cavity. Control of the flow rate of pump may control generation of steam in the cavity and thus the flow rate of steam from the steam outlet. For the avoidance of doubt, flow rates referred to herein are references to volumetric flow rate.

The apparatus (i.e. the steam supply system) may be configured to discharge steam at a flow rate of between 1 ml/min and 20 ml/min, or e.g. between 2 ml/min and 15 ml/min, or e.g. between 2.5 ml/min and 10 ml/min (e.g. the water pump may be configured to supply water to the cavity at flow rates that result in the defined flow rates out the steam outlet).

The pump may be downstream of the reservoir. The pump may be mounted at an outlet of the reservoir. The pump may be upstream of the cavity of the steam supply system.

The apparatus (e.g. the steam supply system) may comprise a steam flow path downstream of the cavity (extending from the cavity to the steam outlet). The apparatus may be configured such that the steam flow path remains open during operation of the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured such that the steam flow path is free of valves or other obstructions (capable of fully obstructing the steam flow path). Such an arrangement may provide the apparatus with improved safety because it can eliminate (or at least reduce) the possibility of a dangerous build-up of pressure in the cavity or steam flow path. Such a build-up of pressure could otherwise occur if there was inadvertent blockage of the steam flow path in operation (such as a blockage caused by a faulty valve or pump).

The apparatus may comprise a heat exchanger providing the thermal communication between the steam supply system and the airflow path (the heat exchanger may be configured to transfer heat from the steam supply system to the airflow path).

The heat exchanger may be elongate, so as to have an elongate axis.

The heat exchanger may comprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the heat exchanger may comprise a metal (e.g. copper, aluminium, etc.) or a ceramic.

The heat exchanger may comprise a first portion in contact with the heating element. The first portion may be mounted to or integral with the heating element. The heat exchanger may comprise a second portion defining a heat exchange surface across which the airflow path passes.

In other embodiments, the heat exchanger may provide heat exchange between the airflow path and a part of the steam supply system other than the heating element. For example, the heat exchanger may be configured to exchange heat between the steam flow path (downstream of the cavity) and the airflow path. Thus, the first portion of the heat exchanger may be in contact with the steam flow path (instead of the heating element as described above).

The heat exchanger may define the cavity of the steam supply system. The heat exchanger may comprise an inlet for water flow into the cavity (received from the reservoir) and an outlet for flow of generated steam from the cavity.

The cavity may comprise a passage (e.g. may be in the form of a passage). The passage may extend through the heat exchanger from the inlet to the outlet of the heat exchanger. The passage may comprise at least one bend (e.g. a 180 degree bend).

The outlet of the heat exchanger may be in the form of an elongate slot or a plurality of apertures spaced along a linear path. The elongate slot or plurality of apertures may be parallel to the elongate axis of the heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger may comprise one or more fins projecting into the airflow path (i.e. defining the heat exchange surface of the heat exchanger). The one or more fins may be configured to redirect airflow along the airflow path (i.e. may be configured to turn the airflow as it passes across the heat exchanger).

In this respect, the one or more fins may extend at an angle to (e.g. may be substantially perpendicular to) the direction of the airflow path at an upstream end of the heat exchanger.

The one or more fins may extend at an angle to (e.g. may be generally perpendicular to) the elongate axis of the heat exchanger. Accordingly, in an embodiment where the airflow path (at least initially) passes along the heat exchanger in a direction of its elongate axis, the one or more fins may divert the airflow path away from the elongate axis.

The one or more fins may define an airflow channel on a side of the heat exchanger (e.g. a side of the heat exchanger opposite to the outlet of the heat exchanger). The airflow channel may be parallel to a direction of the airflow path at the upstream end of the heat exchanger. The airflow channel may be parallel to the elongate axis of the heat exchanger. The airflow channel may taper inwardly (e.g. in a direction of airflow along the channel in use).

The heat exchanger may substantially enclose the heating element. For example, the heating element may be at least partly embedded within the heat exchanger.

The heating element may be external to the cavity and the heat exchanger may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the cavity. In other embodiments, the heating element may be disposed within the cavity so as to heat water in the cavity directly. In such embodiments, the heat exchanger may be configured to receive heat from water/steam disposed in the cavity (and transfer that heat to the airflow path).

The heating element may be a resistive heating element (i.e. may generate heat from electrical resistance). The heating element may be configured to heat the airflow to a temperature of between 90°C and 170°, or e.g. between 100°C and 160°.

The heating element may be a first heating element and the apparatus may comprise a second heating element. The first and second heating elements may be spaced either side of the cavity.

The apparatus may comprise an air mover arranged to move air along the airflow path. The air mover may be in the form of a pump or a fan. The flow rate provided by the air mover may be controllable. Thus, the air mover may be controllable to control the flow rate of air along the airflow path and thus the flow rate of air from the airflow outlet.

The air mover may be configured to provide a flow rate of between 2Us and 20 Us, or e.g. between 3Us and 15 L/s, or e.g. between 5Us and 14 Us, The air mover may be upstream of the portion of the airflow path in thermal communication with the steam supply system (and thus upstream of the heat exchanger when present). In this way, the air mover may interact with unheated airflow (which may be desirable to minimise degradation of the air mover).

The air mover, when present, ultimately moves air through the airflow outlet of the apparatus for discharge onto a tress of hair. The airflow outlet may be spaced from the steam outlet in a direction along a movement axis towards a leading portion of the apparatus (which leads in movement along a tress of hair in use). The movement axis may be an axis that extends between the leading portion and a trailing portion of the apparatus that trails in movement along the tress of hair in use (and may represent a direction of movement of the apparatus in normal use). The leading and trailing portions may be elongate and may be parallel. The leading and trailing portions may be leading and trailing edges.

The steam outlet may be configured so as to define an outlet flow axis that is angled towards the leading portion. In other words, the steam outlet may be configured to direct steam discharged therefrom in a direction that is angled towards the leading portion. This may be achieved, for example, by the orientation of the steam outlet (i.e. the orientation of an opening of the steam outlet) and/or one or more guide vanes/walls forming part of the steam outlet.

The steam outlet may comprise an elongate slot and/or a plurality of apertures spaced along a linear path. The elongate slot or plurality of apertures of the steam outlet may extend substantially perpendicularly to the movement axis. That is, the steam outlet may be configured to form a blade of heated air. In this way, steam may be discharged from the steam outlet across a width of a tress of hair (as the apparatus is moved along the tress of hair).

The airflow outlet may be configured so as to define an outlet flow axis that is angled towards the leading portion. In other words, the airflow outlet may be configured to direct airflow (e.g. heated airflow) discharged therefrom in a direction that is angled towards the leading portion.

This may be achieved, for example, by the orientation of the airflow outlet 0.e. the orientation of an opening of the airflow outlet) and/or one or more guide vanes/walls forming part of the airflow outlet.

The airflow outlet may comprise an elongate slot and/or a plurality of apertures spaced along a linear path. The elongate slot or plurality of apertures of the airflow outlet may extend substantially perpendicularly to the movement axis. That is, the airflow outlet may be configured to form a blade of heated air.

The apparatus may comprise a gripping portion for gripping the tress of hair. This may allow tension to be applied to a tress of hair as the apparatus is moved along it in use.

The gripping portion may be closer to the leading portion than both the steam outlet and airflow outlet. The gripping portion may be disposed at or proximate to the leading portion. In this way, in use, the portion of the hair extending across the steam outlet and the air outlet may be under tension.

The gripping portion may be elongate and may extend substantially perpendicularly to the movement axis. The gripping portion may comprise a flexible plate (e.g. a tensioning plate).

The gripping portion may be formed of a resilient material (e.g. may be a resilient member).

The apparatus may comprise an extraction portion arranged to extract air after being discharged onto the tress.

The extraction portion may be spaced from the airflow outlet in a direction towards the leading portion. Such an arrangement may be particularly suited to an embodiment in which the airflow outlet is configured to direct airflow towards the leading portion.

The extraction portion may be spaced from the steam outlet in a direction towards the trailing portion. Thus, the extraction portion may be between (e.g. along the movement axis) the airflow outlet and the steam outlet. In this way, air may be extracted before it is able to mix with steam that is discharged from the steam outlet. This may ensure the temperature of the steam is not reduced by the airflow discharged from the airflow outlet, which could otherwise be detrimental to the performance of the apparatus.

The extraction portion may comprise an extraction opening for receipt of air discharged from the airflow outlet. The extraction opening may be configured such that a flow axis of the extraction opening is angled towards the trailing portion. This may be achieved, for example, by the orientation of the extraction opening and/or one or more guide vanes/walls forming part of the extraction portion.

In some embodiments, the airflow outlet may be referred to as a first airflow outlet. The apparatus may comprise a second airflow outlet. The second airflow outlet may be spaced from the first airflow outlet (e.g. along the movement axis). The second airflow outlet may be spaced from the first airflow outlet in a direction towards the trailing portion (i.e. may be closer to the trailing portion than the first airflow outlet). The steam outlet may be interposed between the first airflow outlet and the second airflow outlet. In this way, when the apparatus is moved along a tress of hair along the movement axis, heated air will be applied to a portion of the tress both before and after the application of steam, regardless of the direction of movement along the axis. Thus, a drying airflow will be provided after steam application regardless of the direction of movement along the movement axis. In other words, such embodiments may be configured for bidirectional movement. As may be appreciated, in these embodiments, when the direction of movement is reversed, the leading portion and trailing portion may be interchangeable (i.e. each portion may act as both a leading portion and a trailing portion).

In some embodiments the first and second airflow outlets may form different portions of a single airflow outlet.

The apparatus may comprise an in-use hair-facing surface. The hair-facing surface may be substantially planar. In other embodiments the hair-facing surface may be arcuate (along one axis or more than one axis). One or both of the airflow outlet(s) and steam outlet may be disposed on the hair-facing surface. The leading and trailing portions may be opposing edges of the hair-facing surface.

The airflow outlet(s) may be configured to direct airflow outwardly from the hair-facing surface. The steam outlet may be configured to direct steam outwardly from the hair-facing surface. The airflow outlet(s) (e.g. one or both, when both are present) may be configured to direct air in a direction that forms an angle with the hair facing surface of between 1 degree and 90 degrees, or e.g. between 20 degrees and 90 degrees, or between 35 degrees and 90 degrees.

The apparatus may comprise an arm extending along a longitudinal axis. The hair-facing surface may be an external surface of the arm. The arm may house the heat exchanger. An airflow plenum may be defined in the arm. The airflow plenum may be defined between an internal surface of the arm and an outer surface of the heat exchanger. The airflow path may pass through the airflow plenum. The airflow plenum may substantially surround the heat exchanger.

The arm may be a first (e.g. elongate) arm and the apparatus may comprise a second (e.g. elongate) arm. The first and second arms may be pivotably connected. Each arm may extend from a distal end at which it is pivotably connected to the other arm, to a distal (free) end. The hair-facing surface may be a first hair-facing surface (forming part of the first arm) and the second arm may comprise a second hair-facing surface that faces the first hair-facing surface.

The first and second arms may be movable (e.g. pivotable) between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second hair-facing surfaces may be spaced from one another so as to define a hair-receiving cavity therebetween. In the closed position the first and second hair-facing surfaces may be proximate one another for clamping a tress of hair therebetween.

The second arm may be as described above with respect to the first arm (albeit with an opposite orientation so that the hair-facing surfaces of the arms face one another). Thus, for example, the second arm may house a further heat exchanger (being as described above with respect to the first arm).

In such embodiments, the airflow path may split into two branches (e.g. downstream of the air mover), one branch passing through the first arm and the other passing through the second arm. Similarly, the water flow path may split into two branches (e.g. downstream of the pump), one branch extending to the cavity of the heat exchanger of the first arm and the other branch extending to the cavity of the heat exchanger of the second arm.

The apparatus may comprise an intermediate sealing portion projecting from one of the first and second hair-facing surfaces. The intermediate sealing portion may be interposed between the steam outlet and the first airflow outlet along the movement axis and configured to seal the discharged air from the discharged steam in use. The intermediate sealing portion may be formed of a resilient material.

For the avoidance doubt, it is noted that the term "first" in the phrase "first airflow outlet" in the preceding passage and in the following passages is merely used as an identifier. Thus, it is not intended to necessitate the presence of any further airflow outlet such as the second airflow outlet described above (nor is the presence of a further airflow outlet precluded).

The apparatus may comprise a trailing sealing portion projecting from one of the first and second hair-facing surfaces. The trailing sealing portion may be spaced from the first airflow outlet in a direction of the trailing portion. The trailing sealing portion may be formed of a resilient material.

The apparatus may further comprise end sealing portions disposed at the distal and/or proximal ends of one or both of the hair-facing surfaces. The end sealing portions may prevent air from escape from the ends of the hair-facing surfaces. In this way, air and steam may be substantially contained between the arms.

The steam outlet may be disposed on one of the first and second hair-facing surfaces The airflow outlet(s) may be disposed on one of the first and second hair-facing surfaces.

The apparatus may comprise a further steam outlet. The steam outlet may be disposed on the first hair-facing surface and the further steam outlet may be disposed on the second hair-facing surface. The steam outlet may oppose (e.g. directly oppose) the further steam outlet (at least when the apparatus is in the closed position).

The apparatus may comprise a further airflow outlet. The airflow outlet (i.e. the first airflow outlet) may be disposed on the first hair-facing surface and the further airflow outlet may be disposed on the second hair-facing surface. The airflow outlet may oppose (e.g. directly oppose) the further airflow outlet (at least when the apparatus is in the closed position).

When the apparatus includes first and second airflow outlets, the apparatus may comprise further first and second airflow outlets. The first and second airflow outlets may be disposed on the first hair-facing surface and the further first and second airflow outlets may be disposed on the second hair-facing surface. The first and second airflow outlets may oppose (e.g. directly oppose) the further first and second airflow outlets (at least when the apparatus is in the closed position).

Accordingly, each arm of the apparatus may comprise airflow outlet(s) and a steam outlet. These may directly oppose the airflow outlet (s) and steam outlet of the other arm. In this way, when the apparatus is in the closed position clamping a tress of hair, steam will be applied to both side of the tress at the same point along the length of the tress. Likewise, airflow will be applied to both sides of the tress at the same point(s) along the tress.

These embodiments may be suited to arrangements in which extraction portions are provided on each arm and between the airflow openings and the steam outlets. In other embodiments, however, an extraction opening may be on an opposing arm to the first airflow outlet (e.g. the first airflow outlet may be on the first hair-facing surface and the extraction opening may be on the second hair-facing surface), and may oppose the extraction opening (e.g. directly oppose) so that the extraction opening is configured to receive air from the first airflow outlet.

In these embodiments, and when the apparatus includes a second airflow outlet (as described further above), the first airflow outlet may be on the first hair-facing surface and the second airflow outlet may be on the second hair-facing surface. The extraction portion may be a first extraction portion comprising a first extraction opening. The first extraction opening may be provided on the first hair-facing surface and may oppose (i.e. substantially directly oppose) the second airflow outlet. In this way the first extraction portion may receive (and extract) air that has passed through a tress of hair from the second airflow outlet. Likewise, the apparatus may comprise a second extraction portion comprising a second extraction opening. The second extraction opening may be arranged on the second hair-facing surface and may oppose (i.e. substantially directly oppose) the first airflow outlet. In this way, the second extraction portion may receive (and extract) air that has passed through a tress of hair from the first airflow outlet.

The first airflow outlet and second extraction opening may be disposed proximate to the leading portions and the second airflow outlet and first extraction opening may be disposed proximate to the trailing portions.

Each extraction portion may comprise an extraction passage in communication with a respective extraction opening. Each extraction passage may extend along a periphery of the respective arm. Each extraction passage may extend about a periphery of an airflow plenum of the respective arm.

The apparatus may comprise a controller. The controller may comprise a processor, e.g. a microprocessor. The controller may be configured to control the volumetric flow rate of steam discharged from the apparatus and the volumetric flow rate of air discharged from the apparatus. For example, the controller may be configured to control the water pump and/or the air mover. The controller may be configured to control the heating element(s).

The controller may be configured to control the apparatus to operate according to a steam phase in which steam is discharged from the steam outlet and air is not discharged from the airflow outlet(s).

The controller may be configured to control the apparatus to operate according to a drying phase in which air is discharged from the airflow outlet(s) and steam is not discharged from the steam outlet.

The apparatus may comprise user input device configured to receive a user input. The user input device may comprise, e.g. a button, switch, microphone, touchscreen, accelerometer, etc. The controller may be configured to switch between the steam phase and the drying phase in response to a user input received by the user input device.

The controller may be configured to control the volumetric flow rate of steam discharged from the apparatus and the volumetric flow rate of air discharged from the apparatus in response to a user input received by the user input device.

The controller may be configured to control activation of the heating element in response to a user input received by the input device.

The apparatus may be a handheld device. For example, the apparatus may be handheld hair straightening device. Alternatively, the apparatus may, for example, be a heated brush.

Brief Summary of the Figures

Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hair styling apparatus; Figure 1B is a section view of the first embodiment of the hair styling apparatus; Figure 1C is a detailed view of a hair-facing surface of the first embodiment of the hair styling apparatus, Figure 2 is a detailed view of a second embodiment that includes a variation of the hair-facing surface of the first embodiment; Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are top, side and end views respectively of a heat exchanger for use in the second embodiment of the hair styling apparatus; and Figure 4 is a schematic section view of a third embodiment of a hair styling apparatus.

Detailed Description

Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a hair styling apparatus 100 in the form of a hair straightening device. The apparatus 100 comprises two arms 101 that each have a proximal end 102 at which they are hingedly connected and an opposite distal end 103 (which is a free end of each arm). Each arm 101 comprises an elongate housing 104 (extending along a longitudinal axis) that includes an in-use hair-facing surface 105. The hair-facing surfaces 105 are both generally planar and define inner surfaces of the arms 101 so as to face inwardly towards one another.

Each hair-facing surface 105 extends between a longitudinally extending leading portion in the form of a leading edge 106 (lower edge as illustrated) and a longitudinally extending trailing portion in the form of a trailing edge 107 (upper edge as illustrated). In normal use, the apparatus 100 can be moved along a tress of hair such that the leading edges 106 lead in movement along the tress of hair and the trailing edges 107 trail in movement along the tress of hair.

The figures depict the apparatus 100 in an open position in which the arms 101 are hinged open and away from one another and the hair-facing surfaces 105 are both spaced and angled with respect to one another. In this position an acute angle is formed between the hair-facing surfaces 105 and, likewise, between the longitudinal axes of the arms 101. In this way, a cavity is defined between the arms 101 (i.e. between the hair-facing surfaces 105 of the arms) for receipt of a tress of hair to be styled.

The arms 101 can be moved from the depicted open position to a closed position. This is performed by pivoting movement of the arms 101 about their hinged connection at their proximal ends 102. In the closed position (which is not depicted) the hair-facing surfaces 105 of the arms 101 are brought together (so as to either be in contact or at least proximate to one another). In this position the longitudinal axes of the arms 101 are substantially parallel and are likewise parallel with the longitudinal (i.e. elongate) axis of the apparatus 100 taken as a whole.

In use, a tress of hair received between the hair-facing surfaces 105 can be clamped between the arms 101 (and hair-facing surfaces 105) by movement of the apparatus 100 from the open position to the closed position.

Figure 1B depicts the internal structure of the apparatus 100 schematically. As is apparent from this figure, the apparatus 100 comprises a component housing 108 disposed between the arms 101 and positioned towards their distal ends 103. Together, the component housing 108 and the arms 101 house several components of the apparatus 100 that form part of a steam supply system of the apparatus 100. Also housed within the component housing 108 is an air mover 109, in the form of an air pump, that forms part of an airflow supply system of the apparatus 100. The steam supply system and airflow supply system will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1B.

The steam supply system comprises a water reservoir 110 for storing water, two heat exchangers 111 that each define a cavity 112 for receipt of water, heating elements (not shown) for heating water in the cavities 112 to generate steam, and two steam outlets 113 for discharging steam that is generated by the heating elements. The steam supply system further includes a pump 114 configured to move water from the water reservoir 110 to the heat exchanger cavities 112 along a water flow path 115.

The water flow path 115 extends from the water pump 114 around the air mover 109 (as illustrated in Figure 1B) and then splits into two branches (only one branch is shown), each branch passing along a respective arm 101 to a corresponding heat exchanger 111. Accordingly, when the water pump 114 is active, water is moved by the water pump 114 from the water reservoir 110 to the cavity 112 of each heat exchanger 111 (along the water flow path 115), which is then heated by the heating elements to form steam. In this respect, the heat exchangers 111 form steam generators of the apparatus 100. The steam generated by the heat exchangers 111 flows along respective steam flow paths 117 to the steam outlets 113 for discharge from the apparatus 100.

The water reservoir 110, which is at an upstream end of the steam supply system, is positioned towards the proximal ends 102 of the arms 101 and includes an inlet 116, closable by a closure (e.g. cap), for filling thereof. In other embodiments, the entire water reservoir may be removable from the apparatus 100 for filling. The water pump 114 is disposed downstream of the water reservoir 110 at an outlet of the water reservoir 110 so as to be able to draw water from the reservoir 110 and move it towards the heat exchangers 111 along the water flow path 115. In this way, the rate of steam generation provided by the heating elements (and thus the flow rate of steam discharged through the steam outlets 113) can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of the pump 114.

By positioning the water pump 114 upstream of the heat exchangers 111, it is possible to maintain each steam flow path 117 in an open (i.e. unobstructed) condition during operation.

This can improve safety because it eliminates the possibility of a pressure build up resulting from e.g. a fault in a pump forming a blockage downstream of the point in the system at which steam is generated.

As provided above, the two steam flows paths 117 each extend from a respective heat exchanger 111 to a respective steam outlet 113 formed in the respective arm. In the illustrated embodiment those steam flow paths 117 are very short, because the heat exchangers 111 are located adjacent to the steam outlets 113 formed in the arms 101. However, in other embodiments, for example where one or more heat exchangers are instead provided in the component housing 108, the steam flow paths may be longer (e.g. they may extend along one or both arms).

Turning now to the air supply system, the apparatus 100 is provided with airflow inlets 118 formed at the proximal end 102 of each arm 101 and which define an upstream end of an airflow path 119 of the air supply system. The airflow inlets 118 each comprise a plurality of apertures that are formed in a grid-like pattern and that extend circumferentially about the proximal ends of the arms 101.

The airflow path 119 extends from the airflow inlets 118 and through the air mover 109. From the air mover 109 the airflow path 119 extends to airflow openings, in the form of airflow outlets 120, provided in each hair-facing surface 105. As is apparent from the figure, a portion of the airflow path 119 passes across a surface (referred to herein as a heat exchange surface) of each heat exchanger 111. Each heat exchanger 111 is configured to transfer heat from the steam supply system (specifically each cavity 112 and heating element of the steam supply system) to this portion of the airflow path 119 via the heat exchange surface. To facilitate this heat exchange, the heat exchanger 111 comprises a plurality of fins 121 across which the airflow path 119 passes.

In this way, the air is heated by the heat exchanger 111 and a separate dedicated air heater is not required. This reduces the complexity of the apparatus 100, which in turn can improve one or more of cost, reliability, and size of the apparatus.

The airflow path 119 downstream of the air mover splits into two branches (only one branch is shown), each passing along a respective internal airflow plenum 122 formed in a respective arm 101 of the apparatus 100. Thus, air heated by the heat exchanger 111 passes through the arms 101 and is discharged through the airflow outlets 120.

Each airflow outlet 120 is in the form of a slot that extends longitudinally along the respective hair-facing surface 105 in which it is formed. This is particularly apparent from Figure 1C, which provides a detailed view of the hair-facing surface 105 of one of the arms 101. It should be appreciated that the hair-facing surface 105 of the other arm 101 is the same, except for having a reversed orientation (such that the airflow outlets 120 and steam outlets 113 of the two arms 101 directly oppose one another).

As is apparent from this figure, each steam outlet 113 (like each airflow outlet 120) is in the form of an elongate slot that extends along a respective hair-facing surface 105 of the arm 101 in a longitudinal direction of the arm 101 (or the arm housing 104). The elongate nature of the steam 113 and airflow 120 outlets means that steam and airflow can be applied across the width of a tress of hair in use.

The steam outlet 113 is parallel to the airflow outlet 120 and transversely spaced therefrom along the hair-facing surface 105. In particular, the steam outlet 113 is spaced from the airflow outlet 120 in a direction towards the leading edge 106 along a movement axis (depicted with dashed/dotted line) of the apparatus 100 which extends from the trailing edges 107 to the leading edges 106 of the hair-facing surfaces 105. The movement axis represents an axis along which the apparatus 100 is moved along a tress of hair in normal use and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the arms 101.

This arrangement of the steam outlets 113 and the airflow outlets 120 means that, in normal use when the apparatus 100 is in the closed position and moved along a tress of hair, steam is firstly applied to a portion of the tress of hair and, subsequently, heated air is applied to the same portion of the tress of hair. In this way, the heated air can remove moisture from the portion of the tress of hair that is present from the application of the steam.

To assist this process, each arm 101 of the apparatus 100 also includes a gripping portion 123 configured to grip a tress of hair received between the hair-facing surfaces 105. This allows tension to be applied to a tress of hair as the apparatus 100 is moved along the tress in use. In other words, the gripping portions 123 grip the tress of hair therebetween so as to pull it straight as the apparatus 100 is moved along the tress. The gripping portions 123 are each in the form of a flexible tensioning plate extending along the hair-facing surface 105 in the longitudinal direction (i.e. being elongate in the longitudinal direction). Each gripping portion 123 extends for substantially the entire length of the respective hair-facing surface 105 on which it is provided and is spaced from the corresponding steam outlet 113 (along the movement axis) in a direction towards the leading edge 106 of the hair-facing surface 105 (so as to be proximate the leading edge 106). This positioning of each gripping portion 123 means that hair extending across both the steam outlets 113 and the airflow outlets 120 of each arm 101 is placed under tension. This can aid in shaping the hair.

Each arm 101 also includes an intermediate sealing portion 124 and a trailing sealing portion 125 that both project from, and extend longitudinally along, the hair-facing surface 105 of the arm 101. The intermediate sealing portion 124 of each arm 101 is interposed between the steam outlet 113 and the airflow outlet 120 of that arm 101. Wien the hair-facing surfaces 105 of the arms 101 are brought together (i.e. in the closed position), the intermediate sealing portions 124 seal air discharged from the airflow outlets 120 from steam discharged from the steam outlets 113. This prevents (or at least reduces) mixing of the air with the steam which could otherwise cool and/or disperse the steam so as to reduce its effectiveness.

The trailing sealing portion 125 of each arm 101 is spaced from the airflow outlet 120 (along the movement axis) in a direction of the trailing edge 107, so as to be disposed proximate the trailing edge 107. When the arms 101 are in the closed position, the trailing sealing portions seal discharged air from air that is external to the apparatus 100.

To control the application of steam and heated air to a user's hair, the apparatus 100 comprises a controller 126 (see Figure 1B). The controller is configured to control the water pump 114, air mover 109, and the heating elements (not shown). In particular, the controller 126 of this embodiment is configured to control the apparatus 100 according to five different configurations.

A user is able to select a particular configuration using a user input device of the apparatus, which comprises push buttons 127 In a first configuration, the air mover 109 is controlled to provide a flow rate of approximately 5 Us, the water pump 114 is controlled to provide a flow rate of 2.5 ml/min and the heating element 112 is controlled to provide an air temperature of 110°C.

In a second configuration, the air mover 109 is controlled to provide a flow rate of approximately 8 Us, the water pump 114 is controlled to provide a flow rate of 7 ml/min and the heating element 112 is controlled to provide an air temperature of 130°C.

In a third configuration, the air mover 109 is controlled to provide a flow rate of approximately 13.5 Us, the water pump 114 is controlled to provide a flow rate of 10 ml/min and the heating 112 element is controlled to provide an air temperature of 150°C.

In a fourth configuration, the air mover 109 is deactivated (so that no airflow is discharged from the airflow outlets 120), the water pump 114 is controlled to provide a flow rate of 10 ml/min, and the heating element is activated (with a power input of 260V\). In this configuration, only steam is discharged from the apparatus 100.

In a fifth configuration, the air mover 109 is controlled to provide a flow rate of 5 Us, the water pump 114 is deactivated, and the heater is activated (with a power input of 260w). In this configuration, only heated air (at about 130°C) is provided.

In a sixth configuration the air mover 109 is controlled to provide a flow rate of 8 Us, and the water pump 114 and heating element 112 are deactivated. In this configuration only ambient air is discharged from the apparatus 100.

The first, second and third configurations allow a user to steam and dry a tress of hair concurrently as it is moved along a tress of hair (due to the apparatus 100 discharging both steam and air in these configurations). These configurations may each be suited to a particular hair type (e.g. wavy, curly or kinked hair).

A user may use the fourth, fifth and sixth configurations in a series of multiple passes (i.e. changing the configuration between passes) to achieve a similar effect.

It should be appreciated that variations of embodiment described above and illustrated in figures 1A, 1B and 10 maybe provided. For example, Figure 2 illustrates one arm 101' of an apparatus according to embodiment that is a variation of the apparatus 100 described above in which the hair-facing surface 105 is provided with a different arrangement of outlets. It should be appreciated that this embodiment may otherwise be the same as the embodiment described above. Hence, this variation includes many of the same features as the previously described embodiment and accordingly, the same reference numerals have been used for such features.

In this variation, two airflow outlets 120 are provided. The airflow outlets 120 both extend longitudinally and are spaced (transversely) either side of the steam outlet 113. In this way, when the apparatus is moved along a tress of hair along the movement axis (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), heated air will be applied to a portion of the tress both before and after the application of steam, regardless of the direction of movement along the axis. Thus, a drying airflow will be provided after steam application regardless of the direction of movement along the axis. In other words, the apparatus of this embodiment is configured for bidirectional movement.

To further support this bidirectional movement, each arm 101' of the apparatus comprises two gripping portions 123 (each being the same as that described with respect to Figure 10). The gripping portions 123 extend longitudinal along longitudinally extending edges of the hair facing surface 105 of each arm 101'. In this way, regardless of the direction of movement, the hair extending across the airflow outlets 120 and steam outlet 113 will be placed under tension.

To prevent mixing of discharged airflow and steam, each arm 101' includes two longitudinally extending intermediate sealing portions 124 (projecting from the hair-facing surface 105). Each of these is interposed between a steam outlet 113 and an airflow outlet 120.

Figures 3A, 3B and 30 provide detailed views of a heat exchanger 111' that is suited for use with the bidirectional variation of Figure 2. It should be appreciated, however, that this heat exchanger 111' could also be used with the apparatus 100 of Figures 1A-1C with structural modification to provide a single airflow at the airflow outlet 113.

The heat exchanger 111' comprises a cavity 112 for receipt of water from a water reservoir (not shown). The cavity 112 is in the form of a central longitudinally extending passage formed of first 128 and second 129 parallel passage portions. The first passage portion 128 extends from an inlet of the cavity 112 at a proximal end 130 of the heat exchanger 111' to a distal end 131 of the heat exchanger 111'. The second passage portion 129 extends from (and is connected to) the first passage portion 128 at the distal end 131 and extends in the opposite direction back towards the proximal end 130 of the heat exchanger 111'. The second passage portion 129 extends along a hair-facing side 132 of the heat exchanger 111', while the first passage portion 128 extends along an opposite rear side 133 of the heat exchanger 111'. The outlet 134 of the heat exchanger 111' is in the form of an elongate slot that extends along the hair-facing side 132, so as to define an opening to the second passage portion 129. Hence, water flows into the cavity 112, is heated to form steam, and is then discharged from the second passage portion 129 via the heat exchanger outlet 134.

To heat water in the cavity 112, the apparatus 100 comprises two resistive heating elements that are embedded in the heat exchanger 111'. The heating elements 135 are spaced either side of the cavity 112 and extend longitudinally alongside the cavity 112. Power is supplied to the heating elements 135 via a power source (not shown), which may be in the form of a battery or an external power source (i.e. via wired connection from the apparatus 100).

The fins 121 of the heat exchanger 111' extend in a transverse direction (perpendicular to the elongate axis of the heat exchanger 111' and to the initial direction of airflow across it). The fins 121 extend across three sides of the heat exchanger 111': the rear side 133, an upper side 136 and a lower side 137. A tapered channel 138 (that tapers inwardly in the direction of initial airflow) is defined by the fins 121 on the rear side 133 of the heat exchanger 111'. This aids in distribution and redirection of the airflow that passes across the heat exchanger 111'. In operation, air passes along this channel 138 in a longitudinal direction and is then redirected transversely around the sides of the heat exchanger 111' by the fins 121 before being discharged via the airflow outlets 120 of the apparatus.

In addition to providing this guiding function, the fins 121 increase the surface area of the heat exchanger 111' that is exposed to the airflow. This facilitates transfer of heat from the heat exchanger 111' (which in turn is received from the heating elements 135 and cavity 112) to airflow in the airflow plenum 122.

Figure 4 illustrates an apparatus 100" according to a third embodiment that represents a further modification of the apparatus 100 of figures 1A, 1B and 10. Again, given this embodiment includes many of the same features as the previously described embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features.

In this embodiment, each arm 101 of the apparatus 100" further comprises an extraction portion 139 for extraction of air that has been discharged by the airflow outlets 120 (i.e. after that air has passed across the tress of hair). Each extraction portion 139 comprises an extraction opening 140 and an extraction passage 141 that passes from the hair-facing surface 105 of the respective arm 101 to an opposing rear surface 142 of the arm (where the extracted air is discharged from the apparatus 100").

To facilitate this extraction, the airflow outlets 120 are oriented so as to direct airflow in a direction towards the leading edges 106 of the hair-facing surfaces 105. That is, an angle formed between a flow axis extending centrally through each airflow outlet 120 forms an acute angle with the movement axis in a direction towards the leading edge 106. The extraction openings 140 are oriented in an opposing manner, so as to be configured to receive the airflows discharged from the airflow outlets 120.

Like the airflow outlets 120, the steam outlets 113 are oriented so as to direct airflow in a direction towards the trailing edges 107. This directs steam away from the airflow and helps to ensure that the steam and airflow do not mix.

In addition to the extraction portion 139, this embodiment differs from those previously described in that each arm 101 is provided with a steam plenum 143 and an airflow plenum 144 that are separated by the extraction passage 141. The steam and air may be provided to these plenums 143, 144 via a single heat exchanger (e.g. disposed upstream of the plenums, such as in a component housing), or the steam may be provided by a steam generator and the heated air may be provided by an air heater (e.g. in addition to the thermal communication between the airflow path and a part of the steam supply system).

Figure 5 illustrates a hair styling apparatus 100" according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, each hair-facing surface 105 includes a single steam outlet 113, a single airflow outlet 120a, 120b, and a single extraction opening 140a, 140b. The airflow outlet 120a of a first arm 101a of the arms 101a, 101b is disposed proximate to the leading edge 106a of first arm 101a, and the extraction opening 120a of the first arm is disposed proximate to the trailing edge 107a. On the other hand, the airflow outlet 120b of a second arm 101b of the arms 101a, 101b is disposed proximate to the trailing edge 107b of the arm 101b and the extraction opening 140b is disposed proximate to the leading edge 106b. In particular, each airflow outlet 120a, 120b directly opposes a corresponding extraction opening 140a, 140b of the other arm 101a, 101b.

In this way, the apparatus 100-is configured such that air discharged from the outlets 120a, 120b passes through a tress of hair (received between the arms 101a, 101b) and into a corresponding extraction opening 140a, 140b (for subsequent extraction from the apparatus 100-). Like the embodiment of Figure 2, the present apparatus 100" is configured for bidirectional use along a tress of hair, because airflow outlets 120a, 120b are provided either side of the steam outlets 113. Accordingly, the leading edges 106a, 106b may become trailing edges (i.e. may trail in use) and the trailing edges 107a, 107b may become leading edges (i.e. may lead in use).

Each extraction opening 140a, 140b is in communication with an extraction passage 141 that extends circumferentially about a periphery of a respective arm 101a, 101b. The rear surface 142 of each arm 101a, 101b includes a plurality of radially directed apertures 145 that define extraction outlets from which air in the airflow passages 141 is discharged.

Each arm 101a, 101b includes a heat exchanger 111 enclosing heating elements 135 and defining a passage 112 in which steam is formed (by way of heat from the heating elements 135). Each heat exchanger 111 also includes a plurality of outwardly extending fins 121. Air passes along longitudinally extending airflow plenums 144 in each arm 101a, 101b and is then redirected around a respective heat exchanger 111 by the fins 121 (before being discharged through an airflow outlet 120a, 120b). Walls 146, which extend in a circumferential direction, divide each airflow plenum 144 from each corresponding extraction passage 141 disposed radially outwardly of the respective airflow plenum 144. In this way, each airflow path follows a spiral shape through the apparatus 100".

To allow a user's tress of hair to be placed under tension while the apparatus 100-is moved along it, the apparatus 100-includes four gripping portions 123. Each gripping portion 123 is in the form of an elongate resilient member and is disposed adjacent a respective leading 106a, 106b or trailing 107a, 107b edge of the apparatus 100-. This means that, in addition to tensioning a user's hair, the gripping portions 123 seal the edges 106a, 106b, 107a, 107b of the apparatus 100" so as to prevent air from escaping from the space between the arms 101a, 101b (and thus could equally be considered sealing portions of the apparatus).

In addition to the gripping portions 123, the apparatus 100-includes four intermediate sealing portions 124. Each sealing portion 124 is in the form of an elongate resilient member and is disposed between a steam outlet 113 and an airflow outlet 120a, 120b or extraction opening 140a, 140b. In this way, the sealing portions 124 seal between the airflow outlets 120a, 120b and the steam outlets 113 (to prevent mixing of air and steam).

The exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Thus, for example, the illustrated embodiments are hair straightening devices. However, the apparatus may take other forms. For example, the apparatus may be in the form of a heated brush (e.g. may include a single housing/arm with a single hair-facing surface).

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/-10%.

Claims

Claims: 1 A hair styling apparatus comprising: a steam supply system comprising a cavity for receipt of water, a heating element configured to heat water in the cavity to generate steam, and a steam outlet in fluid communication with the cavity and arranged to discharge generated steam from the apparatus; and an airflow path extending from an airflow inlet to an airflow outlet, a portion of the airflow path in thermal communication with the steam supply system for transfer of heat from the steam supply system to air in the airflow path, the airflow outlet being arranged to discharge heated air from the apparatus.
2. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a water reservoir and a water flow path extending from the reservoir to the cavity.
3. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 2 comprising a pump configured to move water from the reservoir to the cavity.
4 A hair styling apparatus according to claim 3 configured such that a steam flow path extending from the cavity to the steam outlet remains open during operation of the apparatus.
A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a heat exchanger providing the thermal communication between the steam supply system and the airflow path.
6 A hair styling apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the heat exchanger comprises a first portion mounted to or integral with the heating element and a second portion defining a heat exchange surface across which the airflow path passes.
7. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the heat exchanger defines the cavity.
8. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the heat exchanger comprises one or more fins projecting into the airflow path.
9. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an air mover arranged to move air along the airflow path.
10. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the steam outlet and/or the airflow outlet comprises an elongate slot and/or a plurality of apertures spaced along a linear path.
11. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the airflow outlet is a first airflow outlet and the apparatus further comprises a second airflow outlet spaced from the first airflow outlet, the steam outlet interposed between the first and second airflow outlets.
12. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an in-use hair-facing surface, the airflow outlet(s) and steam outlet disposed on the hair-facing surface.
13. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the airflow outlet(s) and steam outlet are configured to direct airflow/steam outwardly from the hair-facing surface.
14. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an elongate arm.
15. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 14, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the hair-facing surface is an external surface of the arm.
16. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the arm houses the heat exchanger.
17. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 16 wherein an airflow plenum is defined between an internal surface of the arm and an outer surface of the heat exchanger, the airflow path passing through the airflow plenum.
18. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the airflow plenum substantially surrounds the heat exchanger.
19. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein the arm is a first arm and the hair-facing surface is a first hair-facing surface and the apparatus comprises a second arm having a second hair-facing surface that faces the first hair-facing surface, the arms movable between: an open position in which the hair-facing surfaces are spaced so as to define a hair-receiving cavity therebetween; and a closed position in which the hair-facing surfaces are proximate one another.
20. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a controller configured to control the volumetric flow rate of steam discharged from the apparatus and the volumetric flow rate of air discharged from the apparatus.
21. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the controller is configured to control the apparatus according to: a steam phase in which steam is discharged from the steam outlet and air is not discharged from the air outlet; and a drying phase in which air is discharged from the air outlet and steam is not discharged from the steam outlet.
22. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 comprising a user input device configured to receive a user input, and the controller is configured to control the volumetric flow rate of steam discharged from the apparatus and the volumetric flow rate of air discharged from the apparatus in response to a user input received by the input device.
23. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the controller is configured to control activation of the heater in response to a user input received by the input device.