GB2617589A

GB2617589A - Hair styling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2617589A
Application number: GB2205475.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Beaumont Rory
Original assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2022-04-13
Filing date: 2022-04-13
Publication date: 2023-10-18
Also published as: GB202205475D0; WO2023199030A1

Abstract

A hair styling apparatus comprises a body (106, fig. 2A) and a hair styling element (107, fig.2A). The hair styling element comprises a first portion 108 and a second portion 109 moveable relative to the first portion. An actuator 116 is pivotably mounted to the body and is engageable with the second portion to move the second portion. A trigger 123 is connected to the actuator directly by pivotable connection or indirectly by one or more pivotably connected linkages. Depressing the trigger pivots the actuator from a first position to a second position and moves the second portion. The actuator and trigger preferably form part of a linkage mechanism which further comprises a fixed linkage 124 forming part of the body, and an intermediate linkage 125. Also disclosed is a similar apparatus in which the trigger (123, fig 6) is operatively connected to the actuator (116, fig. 6) to move the actuator when depressed. The trigger comprises a trigger body (143, fig. 6) and a grip portion (136, fig. 6) for the user’s finger. The grip portion is slidably mounted to the trigger body.

Description

HAIR STYLING APPARATUS

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a hair styling apparatus for styling hair. 5 Background Various types of hair styling apparatuses for styling hair are known. One example is a hair dryer which typically includes a handle for holding by a user, and an outlet capable of discharging heated air onto a user's hair. The most basic use of a hair dryer involves directing the discharged air onto hair to dry the hair. Hair dryers (and other similar devices) can, however, be used to apply style to a hair through the application of heat. The heat in the discharged air breaks chemical bonds in the hair, which allows the hair to be reshaped (i.e. into a shape other than its natural shape).

To aid in the application of a style using a hair dryer (or similar device), such devices can be modified to alter the airflow discharged therefrom and/or to interact physically with a user's hair.

This modification can be provided by way of attachments that can be mounted to the device (although in other embodiments, such modification may be of the device itself). For example, attachments are known that mount to an outlet of a hair dryer such that hot air discharged by the hair dryer passes through the attachment and onto a user's hair.

One example of an attachment is a comb attachment. A comb attachment typically includes a row of comb teeth that, in use, are passed along a tress of hair while air is discharged between the comb teeth and onto the hair. This can allow the user to style hair in ways that is not possible with a hair dryer alone.

While such attachments allow enhanced styling, they can have somewhat limited versatility. Hair types vary greatly across different users (for example, thickness and curliness can vary greatly). An attachment designed to work with one type of hair may not be particularly suited to another type of hair. As an example, a comb having a particular tooth spacing may provide an optimum tension for one type of hair, but when used with another hair type may provide too little or too much tension (i.e. resulting in poor styling performance).

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 body having a hair styling element for styling hair, the hair styling element comprising a first portion and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion; an actuator pivotably mounted to the body and engageable with the second portion to move the second portion; and a trigger connected to the actuator directly by pivotable connection or indirectly by one or more pivotably connected linkages, whereby depressing the trigger pivots the actuator from a first position to a second position so as to move the second portion.

The provision of a hair styling element that has a moveable second portion can increase the versatility of the apparatus. For example, taking the example of a comb provided above, each of the first and second portions may include a row of teeth that move relative to one another so as to clamp hair therebetween. In this way, the movement of the second portion can be used to control tension applied to hair by the comb as it is moved along a tress of hair. In another example, the moveable second portion may be such that its movement alters the spread/diffusion of air being discharged from the apparatus.

The provision of a trigger allows a user to control the movement of the second portion (for example, to control tension applied by the hair styling element). The combination of an actuator and a trigger that are (directly or indirectly) pivotably mounted allows the trigger to be spaced from the hair styling element while still being depressible by a user in an ergonomically desirable manner to move the second portion. These advantages are discussed in more detail below with the aid of Figures 1A and 1B.

Figure 1A schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 10 that comprises a body 11 and a hair styling element 12 at a forward end 13 of the body 11 (which is opposite a rearward end 14 of the body 11). A handle 15 extends downwardly from the body 11 at a position between the forward 13 and rearward 14 ends. The handle 15 is positioned so as to be closer to the forward end 13 of the body 11 than the rearward end 14 (and is thus proximate to the hair styling element 12).

A standard trigger 16 is provided which is pivotably mounted at the front of end 13 of the body 11, adjacent the hair styling element 12, such that it is able to engage (to move) a second portion (not shown) of the hair styling element. The trigger 16 extends downwardly, so as to be parallel to the handle 15 and can be depressed by a user pulling the trigger 16 with their finger (while gripping the handle 15 with the remaining fingers and thumb of the same hand). Specifically, a user can depress the trigger 16 by horizontal movement of their finger towards the handle 15 (as illustrated by the dashed arrow). This represents the most ergonomic movement of a user's finger when a user's hand is positioned in this way.

As should be apparent from Figure 1A, the direction of movement of the end of the trigger 16, shown by the solid arrow, is close to horizontal (i.e. close to the direction of movement of a user's finger in use). This means that most of the force applied by a user's finger is "useful" force that corresponds to the direction of movement of the end of the trigger 16. Further, the distance of the movement of the end of the trigger 16 is relatively small and, likewise, the amount the end of the trigger 16 deviates from the horizontal direction is also relatively small (i.e. the vertical component of the movement of the end of the trigger 16 is small).

However, while the movement of the trigger in Figure 1A is desirable, the position of the handle 15 may not be. The handle 15 is close to the hair styling element 12, which means that the handle 15 (and a user's hand gripping the handle) may interfere with styling of a user's hair. Further, when the apparatus 10 is of the type that provides heat (e.g. in the form of discharged hot air), a user's hand will be proximate to the heated parts of the apparatus 10. For these reasons it is preferable to space the handle 15 further away from the forward end 13 of the body 11 (i.e. to maximise the distance of a user's hand from the forward end 13 of the body 11).

Figure 1B schematically illustrates such an arrangement. In this apparatus 10', the handle 15 is positioned closer to the rearward end 14 of the body 11 than the forward end 13. Again, this apparatus 10' includes a standard trigger 16' pivotably mounted to the body 11. However, in this case, the trigger 16' must extend on an angle from its pivotable connection towards the handle 15 to cover the distance between the hair styling element 12 and the handle 15. This ensures that one end of the trigger 16' is sufficiently close to the handle 15 to be depressible by a user holding the handle 15 while the other end is able to engage the second portion of the hair styling element 12.

In this case, improved spacing of the handle 15 from the styling element 12 is achieved, but the trigger 16 is less desirable ergonomically. For example, movement of the trigger 16' from its undepressed position is inclined to horizontal, such that only a minor portion of the force of a user's finger moving horizontally (i.e. in the manner described above) will be "useful force".

Further, the movement of the end of the trigger 16' is a much larger movement than that of the example of Figure 1A, and the vertical component of the movement of the end of the trigger 16 is also much larger. Each of these contributes to a trigger 16 that is less convenient for a user to use.

From Figures 1A and 1B it is apparent that there is a conflict between the provision of a trigger that moves in an ergonomically desirable manner and the provision of a trigger that is spaced from the hair styling element so as to avoid interference with styling.

The apparatus of the first aspect aims to address this conflict by provision of an actuator pivotably connected (directly or indirectly) to the trigger. Such pivotable connection allows the motion of the trigger to be modified so as to be more ergonomic in use (i.e. so as to require less movement to induce movement of the second portion and/or to move along a path that is more aligned with that of a user's finger in use).

A further advantage of the arrangement of the first aspect (in particular, the provision of one or more pivotable connections and linkages) is that the arrangement can be configured to tailor the force (and movement distance) required to move the actuator a given distance. For example, in the case of an arrangement that includes linkages, the lengths of the linkages and the location of their pivot points can affect how movement of the trigger translates to movement of the actuator.

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 actuator and trigger may each form linkages of a trigger mechanism.

The trigger mechanism may further comprise a fixed linkage forming part of the body and an intermediate linkage. Each linkage (i.e. the trigger, actuator, fixed linkage and intermediate linkage) may have two pivotable connections to two other linkages of the four linkages. In this case, the pivotable mounting of the actuator to the body is a pivotable connection between the actuator and the fixed linkage (i.e. this pivotable connection representing one of the two pivotable connections of each of the actuator and fixed linkage).

For the avoidance of doubt, each linkage is not required to have any particular shape. However, in some embodiments one or more of the linkages may be elongate (in some embodiments all of the linkages may be elongate).

The pivotable connections between the linkages may be substantially parallel to one another (i.e. may provide pivoting about pivot axes that are substantially parallel to one another). Thus, the linkages may move in substantially the same plane (or at least parallel planes).

Both pivotable connections of the trigger may be disposed at a first end of the trigger. The trigger may project from the first (e.g. proximal) end to a second (e.g. distal free) end, which may define a grip portion configured to allow a user's finger to grip and depress the trigger in use. The trigger may be oriented such that the first end of the trigger is closest to the body of the apparatus (and it may extend away from the body to the second end).

In a first example, the trigger may be pivotably connected to the fixed linkage and the intermediate linkage. In such an arrangement the intermediate linkage may be pivotably connected to the trigger and the actuator. The actuator may be pivotably connected to the intermediate linkage and the fixed linkage. The fixed linkage may be pivotably connected to the actuator and the trigger. The pivotable connection of the trigger to the intermediate linkage may be interposed between the grip portion and the pivotable connection of the trigger to the fixed linkage.

For example, the trigger may pivot about a pivot axis (fixed relative to the body) that is offset from the pivot axis of the actuator. In this way the pivot axis of the trigger can be positioned closer to the location at which the apparatus (or a device to which the apparatus is mounted) is held. For the reasons already provided above, this may provide a more ergonomic/efficient arrangement.

In a second example, the trigger may be pivotably connected to the actuator and the intermediate linkage. In this embodiment, the intermediate linkage may be pivotably connected to the actuator and the fixed linkage. The fixed linkage may be pivotably connected to the intermediate linkage and the actuator. The actuator may be pivotably connected to the fixed linkage and the trigger. The pivotable connection of the trigger to the actuator may be interposed between the grip portion and the pivotable connection of the trigger to the intermediate linkage.

The fixed linkage may be in the form of an arm. For example, the fixed linkage may be a projection of the body (i.e. may project from a main bulk/portion of the body).

Any one of the linkages may form one of a pair of like-linkages spaced transversely from one another (the transverse axis being parallel to the axes about which the linkages pivot). In such arrangements, the pivotable connection of the linkages may be aligned (i.e. both linkages in the pair may pivot about the same axes). Likewise, each linkage in the pair of linkages may be pivotably connected to the same further two linkages. In other words, the pair of like-linkages may act as if they are a single linkage. In such embodiments, the pair of linkages may be spaced either side of (and pivotably connected to) a further linkage. Such an arrangement may provide for a particularly stable pivotable connection between the linkages.

The fixed linkage may be in the form of a pair of fixed linkages as above. The pair of fixed linkages may be spaced either side of and pivotably connected to the trigger. The first example described above may comprise a pair of fixed linkages spaced either side of and pivotably connected to the trigger and the actuator.

Alternatively, or additionally, the intermediate linkage may be in the form of a pair of linkages as described above. The second example described above may comprise a pair of intermediate linkages spaced either side of and pivotably connected to the trigger. The second example may also comprise a pair of fixed linkages spaced either side of and pivotably connected to the actuator. Each of the pair of fixed linkages may be pivotably connected to one of the pair of intermediate linkages.

The distance between the pivotable connections of the (or each) intermediate link may be between 20 mm and 60 mm, or between 30 and 50 mm, or about 40 mm. Such dimensions may be particularly suited for an intermediate linkage pivotably connected to the actuator and the trigger.

The distance between the pivotable connections of the (or each) intermediate linkage may alternatively be between 10 mm and 40 mm, or between 20 mm and 30 mm, or about 25 mm.

Such dimensions may be particularly suited for an intermediate linkage pivotably connected to the trigger and the fixed linkage.

The distance between the pivotable connections of the actuator may be between 5 mm and 25 mm, or between 10 mm and 20 mm, or about 13 mm. Such dimensions may be particularly suited for an actuator pivotably connected to the fixed linkage and the intermediate linkage.

The distance between the pivotable connections of the actuator may be between 30 mm and 70 mm, or between 40 mm and 60 mm, or between 45 mm and 55 mm, or about 48 mm. Such dimensions may be particularly suited for an actuator pivotably connected to the fixed linkage and the trigger.

The distance between the pivotable connections of the fixed linkage may be between 30 mm and 60 mm, or between 40 mm and 50 mm, or about 45 mm.

The body of the apparatus may comprise a forward end and an opposing rearward end. The hair styling element may be provided at the forward end of the body.

The trigger may be between 20 mm and 60 mm, rearward of the pivotable connection between 15 the actuator and the fixed linkage, or may be between 30 mm and 50 mm rearward, or about 40 mm rearward.

The hair styling apparatus may be in the form of an attachment for a hair styling device. In this case the body of the apparatus may comprise a mounting portion configured for releasable mounting of the body of the apparatus to a hair styling device. The mounting portion may, for example, be releasably engageable by way of a bayonet mechanism, arrangement of magnets, snap fit mechanism, etc. The apparatus may, for example, be configured to be releasably mounted to a hair styling device of the type that discharges a flow of air (e.g. a flow of hot air) from an outlet (the apparatus may be e.g. a hair dryer). The mounting portion may be configured for mounting the apparatus to the outlet (or at the outlet).

In such cases, the apparatus may comprise an inlet for receipt of an airflow through a hair styling device to which it may be mounted, an outlet for discharging an airflow and a passage connecting the inlet and the outlet.

Where the apparatus is in the form of an attachment, the trigger may be rearward of the mounting portion. The trigger may between 20 and 50 mm rearward of the mounting portion, or between 30 mm and 40 mm rearward, or about 35 mm rearward (e.g. about 34 mm rearward).

In other embodiments, the apparatus may be in the form of a hair styling device. The body of the device may comprise opposed forward and rearward ends. The hair styling element may be provided at the forward end. The apparatus may further comprise a handle projecting outwardly from the body of the apparatus at a location between the forward and rearward ends. For example, the handle may project radially with respect to an axis that extends between the forward and rearward ends.

In such embodiments the handle may be closer to the rearward end of the body than the forward end of the body.

The apparatus may, for example, be configured to discharge air (e.g. hot air) from an outlet thereof. The styling element may be provided at the outlet (e.g. such that air flows across the styling element). The apparatus may comprise an air mover, such as a fan, and may comprise an air heater for heating an airflow subsequently discharged from the outlet.

The trigger may (e.g. in the undepressed position) be between 10 mm and 40 mm from the handle, or between 20 mm and 30 mm from the handle.

As set forth above, the trigger may be directly connected to the actuator by a pivotable connection. In other words, the actuator and trigger may be connected to one another without any intermediate component therebetween (except, for example, a pin or other element providing the pivotable connection).

The actuator may be elongate and may extend outwardly from the body. For example, the actuator may have a length of at least 20 mm, or at least 30 mm, or at least 35 mm. The actuator may have a length of about 40 mm (e.g. 38 mm) The actuator may extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to an axis extending between forward and rearward ends of the body (e.g. may be radial with respect to such an axis).

Where the apparatus is in the form of a device, the actuator may extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the handle of the device. Where the apparatus is an attachment, the mounting portion may be configured to mount to a device having a handle such that the actuator extends in a direction substantially parallel to the handle of such a device.

The trigger and actuator may be moveable between an undepressed position (i.e. the relaxed/retracted state of the trigger and actuator) and a depressed position. In the undepressed position, the trigger may extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the actuator. In the depressed position the trigger may extend obliquely with respect to the actuator. For example, in the depressed position the trigger may extend at an angle to the actuator that is greater than 90 degrees, e.g. greater than 100 degrees, or e.g. about 130 degrees.

The trigger and actuator may be configured such that when the trigger is depressed by a user the actuator pivots in a first direction about the connection between the actuator and the body, and the trigger pivots in a second direction about the connection between the actuator and the trigger. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction.

The trigger may comprise a biasing means (e.g. a spring such as a torsional spring). The biasing means may be configured to bias the trigger into the undepressed position. The biasing means may be configured to bias the trigger against movement in the second direction.

The trigger may comprise an annular portion defining a central aperture for receipt of a user's finger to depress the trigger.

In a second aspect there is provided a hair styling apparatus comprising: a body having a hair styling element for styling hair, the hair styling element comprising a first portion and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion; an actuator pivotably mounted to the body and engageable with the second portion to move the second portion; and a trigger operatively connected to the actuator so as to move the actuator when depressed; the trigger comprising a trigger body and a grip portion for receipt of user's finger in use, the grip portion slidably mounted to the trigger body so as to slide relative to the trigger body as the trigger is depressed.

The arrangement of the second aspect addresses at least some of the issues as discussed above with respect to the first aspect. In this case, however, these issues are addressed by provision of a slideable grip portion. This adjusts the position of a user's fingers during depression of the trigger, which provides for more ergonomic movement of a user's finger (for example, it allows a user's finger to travel along a substantially linear path while the trigger travels along a non-linear (i.e. arcuate path)).

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

The trigger body may comprise an arcuate track along which the grip portion slides. The trigger body may comprise an annular portion. The grip portion may be arcuate. The grip portion may extend at least partly about an internal rim of the annual portion. In some embodiments, the grip portion may be annular (and may extend fully about the internal rim of the annular portion).

The trigger body may be affixed to the actuator. The trigger body may be integral with the actuator (i.e. the trigger body and actuator may form a single integrally formed piece) The trigger body may be slideably mounted to the actuator. The trigger body may be slideable in a direction of extension of the actuator from the body of the apparatus (i.e. may be slideable along a length of the actuator). In this way, the trigger body may be configured to slide in a direction away from the actuator when depressed. In other words, the trigger body may be slideable between a retracted position (undepressed) and an extended position (when depressed). This may alter the path that the trigger body takes as it is depressed, thereby improving the ergonomics of the trigger.

The trigger body may comprise biasing means for biasing the trigger body towards the body of the apparatus. Thus, the trigger body may be biased towards the retracted position.

Once again, the hair styling apparatus of the second aspect may be in the form of an attachment for a hair styling device. In this case the body of the apparatus may comprise a mounting portion configured for releasable mounting of the body of the apparatus to a hair styling device. The mounting portion may, for example, be releasably engageable by way of a bayonet mechanism, arrangement of magnets, snap fit mechanism, etc. The apparatus may, for example, be configured to be releasably mounted to a hair styling device of the type that discharges a flow of air (e.g. a flow of hot air) from an outlet (the apparatus may be e.g. a hair dryer). The mounting portion may be configured for mounting the apparatus to the outlet (or at the outlet).

Alternatively, the apparatus of the second aspect may be in the form of a hair styling device. The body of the device may comprise opposed forward and rearward ends. The hair styling element may be provided at the forward end. The apparatus may further comprise a handle projecting outwardly from the body of the apparatus at a location between the forward and rearward ends. For example, the handle may project radially with respect to an axis that extends between the forward and rearward ends.

In either of the first and second aspects, the styling element may be a comb. Each of the first and second portions may comprise a transversely extending row of comb teeth. Each row of comb teeth may be arranged to receive an airflow from an outlet of the apparatus (e.g. may extend across the outlet). The rows of comb teeth may be adjacent one another, and the row of comb teeth of the second portion may be moveable along the transverse axis relative to the first portion.

For example, each tooth of the first portion may define an opening for receipt of a corresponding tooth of the second portion. In other words, the row of teeth of the first portion may define a passage along which the teeth of the second portion move. In this way, a user can clamp hair between the teeth of the two rows of teeth by movement of the second portion.

Brief Summary of the Figures

Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1A is a schematic of a first example of a hair styling apparatus; Figure 1B is a schematic of a second example of a hair styling apparatus; Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hair styling apparatus mounted to a hair styling device; Figure 2B is a perspective sectional view of the first embodiment; Figure 2C is a side view showing operation of the first embodiment; Figure 3A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a hair styling apparatus mounted to a hair styling device; Figure 3B is a side view showing operation the second embodiment; Figure 4 is a side view showing operation of a third embodiment of a hair styling apparatus; Figure 5 is a side view showing operation of a fourth embodiment of a hair styling apparatus; and Figure 6 is a side view showing operation of a fifth 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 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a hair styling apparatus 100 in the form of an attachment for a hair styling device. In Figure 2A, the apparatus 100 is illustrated mounted to such a hair styling device 101, which is in the form of a hair dryer.

The device 101 includes a cylindrical device body 102 having forward 103 and rearward 104 ends. The forward end 103 of the device body 102 tapers inwardly (so as to have a frustoconical shape) to an opening defining an outlet (not shown) of the device 101. The device 101 also includes a cylindrical handle 105 that extends radially outward from the device body 102 (in Figure 2A, the handle 105 extends downwardly) at a location between the forward 103 and rearward 104 ends.

The hair styling apparatus 100 comprises an annular apparatus body 106 (referred to herein as "the body") having a hair styling element 107 for styling hair. The hair styling element 107 comprises a first portion 108 and a second portion 109 (only visible in Figure 2B) that is moveable relative to the first portion 108. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 is in the form of a comb attachment such that the hair styling element 107 is in the form of a comb.

Each of the first 108 and second 109 portions comprises a respective transversely extending row of comb teeth 110. Each tooth 110 of the first portion 108 defines an inner triangular opening 111 in which a triangular tooth 110 of the second portion 109 is received. Thus, the row of teeth 110 of the first portion 108 together define a transverse passage along which the row of teeth 110 of the second portion 109 move. In use, hair received between the teeth 110 can be clamped by movement of the second portion 109 relative to the first portion 108. The clamping force applied to the hair is dependent on the amount of displacement of the second portion 109. In this way, a user can adjust the tension applied to e.g. a tress of hair by altering the amount of displacement of the second portion 109.

Although not shown, the movement of the second portion 109 is facilitated by slideable mounting of the second portion 109 to a support bar that extends transversely across an interior of the apparatus 100. In particular, the support bar (and the rows of teeth 110) extend across an outlet 112 of the apparatus 100. The outlet 112 is fluidly connected to an inlet 113 by an internal passage 114 of the apparatus 100, such that when the apparatus 100 is mounted to a device 101, the inlet 113 receives airflow from the device 101. This airflow passes along the passage 114 and is discharged through the outlet 112 and across the rows of teeth 110 (i.e. in which hair may be clamped) of the apparatus 100.

To provide mounting of the apparatus 100 to a device 101, the body 106 comprises a mounting portion 115 configured for releasable mounting of the body 106 to the hair styling device 101 (as is shown in Figure 2A). In this case, the mounting portion 115 is in the form of an annular flange of the body 106 (within which the inlet 113 is defined), which comprises a plurality of magnets for releasable mounting to a device 101 having a ferromagnetic portion for interaction with the magnets. Alternatively, a single annular magnet may be provided. As should be appreciated, releasable mounting may otherwise be provided by e.g. a bayonet mechanism, snap fit mechanism, etc. Although not shown, the outlet of the device may be annular and may surround a central recess (or bore) formed int eh device. A spigot may be provided that projects from the body 106 into the recess the device 101. The spigot may fit closely within inner walls of the recess of the device 101 so as to restrict movement between the body 106 and the device 101 (i.e. providing a more robust connection between the apparatus 100 and the device 101).

To move the second portion 109, the apparatus 100 comprises an actuator 116 that is pivotably mounted to the body 106 and that is engageable with the second portion 109. To transfer the movement of the actuator 116 to the row of comb teeth 110 of the second portion 109, the second portion 109 comprises a rocker linkage 117 that is pivotably mounted in the passage 114 of the apparatus 100. The rocker linkage 117 comprises a cam surface 118 against which the actuator 116 engages (to pivot the rocker linkage 117) and a pivotable connection to the row of comb teeth 110 to move the comb teeth 110 transversely as the rocker linkage 117 pivots. In particular, the actuator 116 comprises an elongate rod 119 having a proximal end portion 120 that is angled with respect to the remainder of the rod 119 (mounted to a main body 121 of the actuator 116). This angled proximal end portion 120 of the rod 119 engages the cam surface 118 of the rocker linkage 117 in use to push the cam surface 118.

The actuator 116 is pivotably mounted to the body 106 by way of a pivotable connection 122 that includes bores formed in the main body 121 of the actuator 116 and the body 106, the bores aligned for receipt of a pin (not shown). The pivotable connection 122 is arranged such that the pivot axis of the actuator 116 is oriented to be in a generally circumferential/tangential direction of the body 106.

As will be described in more detail below, the actuator 116 is operatively connected to a trigger 123, which allows for control of the movement of the second portion 109 (via the actuator 116) by a user. When the apparatus 100 is mounted to a device 101 (as shown in Figure 2A), the trigger 123 is positioned proximate to the handle 105 of the device 101. In particular, the positioning of the trigger 123 is such that a user can use one of their fingers (typically an index finger) to depress the trigger 123 while the remaining fingers and thumb of the same hand are wrapped about the handle 105. In this way, a user can hold the device 101 and apparatus 100 and control hair tension concurrently.

The actuator 116 and trigger 123 each form linkages of a trigger mechanism of the apparatus 100. The trigger mechanism further includes a pair of fixed linkages 124 (only one being shown in Figs. 2B and 2C) and an intermediate linkage 125 which are connected to the trigger 123 and the actuator 116. These linkages provide the operative connection between the trigger 123 and the actuator 116.

Each of the linkages 116, 123, 124, 125 of the trigger mechanism includes two pivotable connections to two other linkages of the trigger mechanism. Each of these pivotable connections comprises a bore formed in the relevant linkage for receipt of a pin (not shown). All of these bores extend along axes that are parallel to one another such that all of the axes about which the linkages are pivotable are parallel.

The pivotable connection 122 between the actuator 116 and the body forms one of these pivotable connections of the trigger mechanism. In particular, the actuator 116 is pivotably connected between the pair of fixed linkages 124. The pair of fixed linkages 124 form part of the body 106 (are integral with the body 106) and are in the form of rearwardly projecting arms that are spaced transversely from one another. Each fixed linkage 124 has a proximal portion 126 that extends radially from the body 106 (downwardly in the illustrated orientation), a distal portion 127 that extends rearwardly, and an intermediate portion 128 connecting the proximal 126 and distal portions 127 and that extends obliquely to both (in particular on angle radially outwardly and rearwardly). This shape of the fixed linkages 124 allows them to extend around the forward end 103 of the device 101 and towards the handle 105. The distal portion 127 of each fixed linkage 124 is pivotably connected to the trigger 123 (the trigger 123 being received in the space therebetween).

The intermediate linkage 125 is in the form of a linear bar that is pivotably connected at a proximal end 129 to a distal end 130 of the actuator 116, and at an opposite distal end 131 to the trigger 123. To provide a pivotable connection between the actuator 116 and the intermediate linkage 125, the distal end 130 of the actuator 116 is configured so as to be in the form of a clevis. That is, the distal end 130 of the actuator 116 includes a pair of spaced clevis members 132 that define a recess therebetween for receipt of the proximal end 129 of the intermediate linkage 125.

The trigger 123, similarly, includes a recess defined between two spaced apart clevis members 133 for receipt of the opposite distal end 131 of the intermediate linkage 125. As already discussed above, the pivotable connection between these parts is provided by bores that align for receipt of a pin.

In addition to being pivotably connected to the intermediate linkage 125, the trigger 123 includes a further pivotable connection to the distal portions 127 of the pair of fixed linkages 124. Again, bores are provided in each of these parts and the bores align for receipt of a pin (to provide the pivotable connections).

Both of the pivotable connections of the trigger 123 (to the intermediate linkage 125 and the fixed linkages 124) are adjacent to one another and are disposed at a first end 134 of the trigger 123 that is closest to the body 106 (i.e. is radially inward). The trigger 123 extends (radially outwardly) from this first end 134 to a second end 135, which provides a grip portion 136 for a user's finger to grip and depress the trigger 123. The grip portion 136 of the trigger 123 curves away from the handle 105 (when the apparatus 100 is mounted to a device 101 as in Figure 2A), which improves the ergonomics of the trigger 123.

The pivotable connection of the trigger 123 to the intermediate linkage 125 is interposed between the grip portion 136 of the trigger 123 and the pivotable connection to the fixed linkages 124. Consequently, as the trigger 123 is depressed (via the grip portion 136), the intermediate linkage 125 is pulled towards the handle 105 of the device 101 (by way of its connection to the trigger 123). This, in turn, causes the actuator 116 to pivot in the same rotational direction as the trigger 123, which moves the second portion 109 via the rocker linkage 117 (as already described above). In particular, the trigger 123 moves from an undepressed position in which it extends obliquely (radially outwardly and forwardly) with respect to the distal portions 127 of the fixed linkages 124 (and to the handle 105), to a depressed position in which the trigger 123 is substantially parallel to the handle 105 (and perpendicular to the distal portions 127 of the fixed linkages 124).

As should be appreciated particularly from the movement depicted in Figure 2B, this arrangement does not suffer from the same issues as described above with respect to Figures 1A and 1B. Firstly, the trigger 123 and the handle 105 of the device 101 are spaced away from the hair styling element 107, such that a user's hand will not interfere with the styling process in use. In particular, the trigger 123 is spaced rearwardly of the mounting portion of the apparatus 100 (due to the rearward extension of the fixed linkages 124).

Secondly, the pivot axis of the trigger 123 (i.e. the pivotable connection between the trigger 123 and the fixed linkages 124) is positioned proximate to the handle 105, such that the path the grip portion 136 of the trigger 123 takes as it is depressed more closely reflects the path a user's finger takes during a normal "pulling" movement (i.e. while holding the handle 105). Thus, the trigger 123 has the desirable motion depicted in Figure 1B, but without the drawback of being adjacent to the hair styling element 107.

Figures 3A and 3B depict a variation of the embodiment of Figures 2A to 2C described above. The apparatus 200 of this embodiment, again, includes an actuator 116, trigger 123 and a pair of fixed linkages 124. However, in this embodiment a pair of intermediate linkages 125 (instead of a single intermediate linkage) are provided. These intermediate linkages 125 are similar to the previously described pair of fixed linkages in that they effectively act as a single linkage (their pivotable connections are aligned, and they are connected to the same two further linkages).

In this embodiment, the actuator 116 is, again, pivotably connected to each of the pair of fixed linkages 124 and extends within a space defined between the fixed linkages 124. However, the distal end 130 of the actuator 116 is directly pivotably connected to the trigger 123. This distal end 130 of the actuator 116 is in the form of a clevis, so as to include two spaced apart clevis members 132 that define a recess therebetween for receipt of a narrowed neck portion 137 of the trigger 123 (each of the trigger 123 and actuator 116 including bores that align for receipt of a pin to provide the pivotable connections). The actuator 116 includes two bends along its length so as to approximate a curve having a concave shape (facing the device 101 when the apparatus 200 is mounted thereto). This allows the actuator 116 to extend around the tapered forward end 103 of the device 101.

The fixed linkages 124 are similar in form to those of the previously described embodiment, except they are truncated so as not to include the rearwardly extending distal portions 127 (i.e. in the present embodiment the fixed linkages 124 include only radially extending proximal portions 126 and obliquely extending portions 128).

Each of the pair of intermediate linkages 125 is in the form of an elongate bar and is pivotably connected at a proximal end 129 to a respective one of the fixed linkages 124. An opposite distal end 131 of each of the intermediate linkages 125 is pivotably connected to the trigger 123, with the trigger 123 being received between the intermediate linkages 125 and aligned bores being provided for receipt of a pin.

Both pivotable connections of the trigger 123 are disposed at a first end 134 of the trigger 123. Again, the trigger 123 extends substantially radially outward to a second end 135 that defines a grip portion 136. The grip portion 136 has a concave shape (facing the away from a handle 105 of a device when the apparatus 200 is mounted thereto). In this embodiment, the pivotable connection of the trigger 123 to the actuator 116 is interposed between the grip portion 136 and the pivotable connections to the intermediate linkages 125.

The arrangement of the linkages results in a movement in which the trigger 123 simultaneously pivots about the pivotable connection 122 between the actuator 116 and the fixed linkages 124, and about the pivotable connection between the trigger 123 and the intermediate linkages 125.

In the undepressed position, the trigger 123 extends on an angle to a handle of a device to which the apparatus 200 may be mounted. Specifically, the trigger 123 extends in a radially outward and forward direction. In the depressed position, the trigger 123 extends substantially parallel to a handle of the device (i.e. radially with respect to the apparatus 200). As should be apparent from Figure 3B, the grip portion moves in the rearward direction. That is, the path along which the grip portion 136 of the trigger 123 moves is generally perpendicular to the direction of the extension of a handle of a device when the apparatus 200 is mounted thereto (i.e. so as to be closer to the motion shown in Figure 1B than 1A).

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate further arrangements in which a trigger is adapted so as to provide improved ergonomics while allowing spacing of the trigger from a hair styling element of an apparatus. For brevity, only a portion of the apparatus is shown in each of these figures. It should, however, be appreciated that the apparatus of each of these embodiments may be as otherwise described above.

In the apparatus 300 of Figure 4, the actuator 116 is in the form of an elongate bar that is pivotably mounted to the body 106 (the rod of the actuator 116 is omitted in this figure). In the undepressed position, the actuator 116 extends outwardly (downwardly as illustrated) from its pivotable mounting to the body 106, so as to be substantially parallel to a handle of a device when the apparatus 300 is mounted thereto.

The trigger 123 includes an annular portion 138, an inner rim 139 of which can be gripped by a user's finger in use to depress the trigger 123 (i.e. by pulling the trigger 123). A lug 140 protrudes from the annular portion 138 and directly pivotably mounts the trigger 123 to the actuator 116 (each of the actuator 116 and the lug 140 of the trigger 123 comprises a bore and the bores align for receipt of a pin therethrough).

In the undepressed position, the trigger 123 extends rearwardly and generally perpendicularly to the actuator 116 (i.e. towards a handle of a device when the apparatus 300 is mounted thereto). In the depressed position the trigger 123 extends obliquely with respect to the actuator 116. As the trigger 123 is depressed the actuator 116 rotates about its pivotable mounting to the body 106 in a first rotation direction (clockwise as illustrated) and the trigger 123 rotates about its pivotable mounting to the actuator 116 in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first direction (anticlockwise as illustrated). More specifically, the angle between the trigger 123 and the actuator 116 increases from about 90 degrees in the undepressed position to about 135 degrees in the depressed position.

To help maintain these positions, the actuator 116 comprises a stop feature comprising two stop surfaces 141a, 141b angled with respect to one another. The trigger 123 comprises an abutment surface 142 that abuts a first of the stop surfaces 141a in the undepressed position and a second of the stop surfaces 141b in the depressed position.

Although not illustrated, the apparatus 300 may also comprise a biasing mechanism (e.g. a torsion spring) configured to bias the trigger 123 into the undepressed position (i.e. configured to bias the trigger 123 against rotation in the second rotation direction).

Figure 5 illustrates a further apparatus 400. In this embodiment the trigger 123 comprises an annular trigger body 143 that is integrally formed with the actuator 116. The actuator 116, again, is in the form of an elongate bar pivotably mounted to the body 106 and extends radially outwardly from the body 106 (in the undepressed position it extends downwardly as illustrated).

The actuator 116 includes a bend such that a distal portion 144 of the actuator 116 (at which the trigger body 143 is provided) forms an angle with a proximal portion 145 of the actuator 116 of about 130 degrees (the distal portion 144 extending in a more rearward direction than the proximal portion 145).

The trigger body 143 is annular so as to have an inner periphery 139 defining an internal aperture 146. The trigger 123 is provided with an annular grip portion 136 for receipt of a user's finger in use. The annular grip portion 136 extends fully about, and is slideably mounted to, the inner periphery 139 of the trigger body 143. In this way, the annular grip portion 136 rotates about a central axis of the trigger body 143 as the trigger 123 is depressed.

In particular, as the trigger 123 is depressed, the actuator 116 rotates about its pivotable mounting to the body 106 in a first rotational direction (clockwise as illustrated) and the grip portion 136 rotates in a second rotation direction (anticlockwise as illustrated) that is opposite to the first direction. The effect of this is that as a user depresses the trigger with their finger, their finger moves relative to the trigger body 123 (and thus to the actuator 116). The movement of the grip portion 136 counteracts the movement of the end of the actuator 116, which helps to provide a somewhat linear movement of a user's finger while the trigger body 143 and actuator 116 follow a curved path (i.e. about the pivotable connection 122 between the actuator 116 and the body 106).

The apparatus 500 of Figure 6 is similar to that of Figure 5 in that the trigger 123 again comprises an annular trigger body 143 and an annular grip portion 136 slideably mounted within an inner periphery of the trigger body 143. In this embodiment, however, the actuator 116 is linear (rather than bent/curved) and the trigger body 143 is slideably mounted to the actuator 116. In particular, the trigger body 143 is mounted so as to slide in a direction along a length of the actuator 116.

In the undepressed position, the actuator 116 extends radially outwardly (downwardly as illustrated) from the body 106 so as to be parallel to a handle when the apparatus 500 is mounted to a device. When a user uses their finger to depress the trigger 123, the actuator 116 rotates, the trigger body 143 slides in a direction away from the body 106 (i.e. towards a handle of a device) and the grip portion 136 rotates (relative to the trigger body 143).

The result of these three movements is, again, that a user's finger moves along a generally linear path towards a handle (i.e. rather than a curved path about the pivotable connection 122 of the actuator 116 to the body 106).

Although not illustrated, the actuator 116 and/or the trigger 123 may comprise a biasing means configured to bias the trigger body 143 into the undepressed position (i.e. towards the body 106 of the apparatus 500). This may ensure that the trigger body 143 returns to its original position after being depressed.

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.

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.

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 body having a hair styling element for styling hair, the hair styling element comprising a first portion and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion; an actuator pivotably mounted to the body and engageable with the second portion to move the second portion; and a trigger connected to the actuator directly by pivotable connection or indirectly by one or more pivotably connected linkages, whereby depressing the trigger pivots the actuator from a first position to a second position so as to move the second portion.
2. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the actuator and trigger each form linkages of a trigger mechanism, the trigger mechanism further comprising a fixed linkage forming part of the body and an intermediate linkage, each linkage having two pivotable connections to two other linkages of the four linkages, and wherein the pivotable mounting of the actuator to the body is a pivotable connection between the actuator and the fixed linkage.
3. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 2 wherein both pivotable connections of the trigger are disposed at a first end of the trigger, the trigger projecting from the first end to a second end defining a grip portion configured to allow a user's finger to grip and depress the trigger in use.
4. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the trigger is pivotably connected to the fixed linkage and the intermediate linkage.
5. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 4, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the pivotable connection of the trigger to the intermediate linkage is interposed between the grip portion and the pivotable connection of the trigger to the fixed linkage.
6. A hair styling apparatus according to 2 or 3 wherein the trigger is pivotably connected to the actuator and the intermediate linkage.
7. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the pivotable connection of the trigger to the actuator is interposed between the grip portion and the pivotable connection of the trigger to the intermediate linkage.
8. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein trigger is directly connected to the actuator by a pivotable connection.
9. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the actuator is elongate and extends outwardly from the body.
10. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the trigger and the actuator are configured such that when the trigger is depressed by a user: the actuator pivots in a first direction about the connection between the actuator and the body; and trigger pivots in a second direction about the connection between the actuator and the trigger, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.
11. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the trigger comprises biasing means configured to bias the trigger against movement in the second direction.
12. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the trigger comprises an annular portion defining a central aperture for receipt of a user's finger to depress the trigger.
13. A hair styling apparatus comprising a body having a hair styling element for styling hair, the hair styling element comprising a first portion and a second portion that is moveable relative to the first portion; an actuator pivotably mounted to the body and engageable with the second portion to move the second portion; and a trigger operatively connected to the actuator so as to move the actuator when depressed; the trigger comprising a trigger body and a grip portion for receipt of user's finger in use, the grip portion slidably mounted to the trigger body so as to slide relative to the trigger body as the trigger is depressed.
14. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the trigger body comprises an arcuate track along which the grip portion slides.
15. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the trigger body is affixed to, or integral with, the actuator.
16. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the trigger body is slideably mounted to the actuator.
17. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the trigger body is slideable in a direction of extension of the actuator from the body of the apparatus.
18. A hair styling apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the trigger body is biased towards the body of the apparatus.
19. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the trigger comprises an annular portion and the grip portion is arcuate and extends at least partly about an internal rim of the annular portion.
20. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the styling element is a comb and each of the first and second portions comprises a transversely extending row of comb teeth, wherein the rows of comb teeth are adjacent one another, and wherein the row of comb teeth of the second portion is moveable along the transverse axis relative to the first portion.
21. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in the form of an attachment for a hair styling device, the body of the apparatus comprising a mounting portion configured for releasable mounting of the body of the apparatus to a hair styling device.
22. A hair styling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20 in the form of a hair styling device, the body of the apparatus comprising opposed forward and rearward ends, the hair styling element provided at the forward end and wherein the apparatus further comprises a handle projecting outwardly from the body of the apparatus at a location between the forward and rearward ends.