KR20180120255A - Attachment for portable appliances - Google Patents

Abstract

The attachment includes a casing having an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device; A hair combing member supported by the casing; A first air flow outlet between the casing and the hair engagement member; A second air flow outlet between the casing and the hair coupling member and spaced from the first air flow outlet; And internal air flow direction guiding means located inside the casing for directing air toward the first air flow outlet and the first air flow outlet.

Description

Attachment for portable appliances

The present invention relates to a portable appliance, in particular an attachment for a hair care appliance such as a hot air styling appliance.

In a conventional hot air styling device, air is sucked into the inlet by the fan unit and directed towards the hair by the attachment or head. Depending on the style you want, the air may or may not heat up. Attachments often include bristles, and the hair is held around the bristles for styling. Air is blown out of the attachment generally perpendicular to the longitudinal surface of the attachment.

In a first aspect, the invention provides an attachment for a hair styling device, the attachment comprising: a casing having an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device; And a hair engagement member supported by the casing and adapted to move relative to the casing between a first position and a second position, wherein when the hair engagement member is in the first position, a first air flow When the outlet is formed and the hair binding member is in the second position, a second air flow outlet spaced from the first air flow outlet is formed between the casing and the hair coupling member, and when the hair coupling member is in the first position The first air flow outlet is open and the second air flow outlet is closed and when the hair binding member is in the second position the first air flow outlet is closed and the second air flow outlet is open.

The hair-binding member is preferably adapted to move with respect to the casing in a wobbling motion. Preferably, the hair combing member is rotatably supported inside the casing through the center axis of the hair coupling member. The hair coupling member is preferably rotatably supported by a pivot pin for mounting the hair coupling member inside the casing. The hair binding member preferably has a motion angle of 5 to 30 degrees.

Preferably, when the attachment is pulled in the first direction through the wearer's hair, the hair-binding member moves to the first position, and when the attachment is pulled in the second direction opposite to the first direction through the wearer's hair, The member is moved to the second position.

Each of the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet preferably includes a plurality of outlet holes. Further, the plurality of exit holes are preferably located in one row.

Preferably, each of the first airflow outlet and the second airflow outlet is formed with a respective side of the hair coupling member and a respective portion of the casing. Each of the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet is preferably in the form of a slot. Preferably, the hair binding member has an elongated shape, and each of the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet preferably substantially extends the length of the hair coupling member.

In one preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises two hair-binding members. Preferably, the casing includes an outer casing portion and an inner casing portion, and the legs of the inner casing portion are positioned between the hair coupling members. In a first state of attachment, the first hair binding member is preferably in a first position forming a first air flow outlet to the ledge, and the second hair binding member is preferably connected to the outer casing portion through a second air flow outlet In the second position. In a second state of attachment, the first hair binding member is preferably in a second position forming a third air flow outlet to the outer casing portion, and the second hair binding member is preferably located in the fourth air flow outlet In the second position. Preferably, the first hair binding member and the second hair binding member move synchronously.

The attachment also preferably moves between the first and second states under the action of an over centering mechanism. In one preferred embodiment, the over centering mechanism is a torsion spring connected between the first and second hair coupling members. The deflection function of the torsion spring can be realized in several alternative ways. For example, a magnetic latch or a weighted movable member or an integrated ball bearing in a stop mechanism may be used.

The over-center mechanism for movement of the movable member has the advantage that the over-center mechanism moves each movable member in a direction opposite to the current orientation of the movable member, thereby allowing the movable member to tilt in the opposite direction without interference .

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling device, the attachment comprising: a casing having an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device; A hair combing member supported by the casing; A first air flow outlet between the casing and the hair engagement member; A second air flow outlet between the casing and the hair coupling member and spaced from the first air flow outlet; And internal air flow direction guiding means located inside the casing for directing air toward the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet. Preferably, each of the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet is at least partially formed with a respective side wall of the casing.

The term " air flow direction guiding means " refers to a vane, baffle, rib or other device that guides air flow along an air flow path.

In one preferred embodiment, the inner air flow direction guiding means comprises a plurality of vanes. The internal air flow direction guiding means preferably includes a plurality of casing vanes connected to the casing. The plurality of casing vanes may also include a first series of casing vanes located adjacent to the first air flow outlet and located on a first side wall of the casing and a second series of casing vanes adjacent to the second air flow outlet, And includes a series of casing vanes. Each vane of the first series of casing vanes is preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to the edge of the first side wall of the casing forming the first air flow outlet and each vane of the second series of casing vanes preferably Is oriented substantially perpendicular to the edge of the second sidewall of the casing forming the air flow outlet. Preferably, the vanes of the first series of casing vanes and the second series of casing vanes are substantially evenly spaced.

In a further preferred embodiment, the inner air flow direction guiding means comprises a plurality of edge vanes connected to the hair coupling member. The plurality of edge vanes preferably include a first series of edge vanes located on a first side of the hair coupling member adjacent the first air flow outlet and a second series of edge vanes located adjacent the second side of the hair coupling member, And a second series of edge vanes located at a second end.

Preferably, each vane of the first series of edge vanes is oriented substantially perpendicular to the edge of the hair engagement member adjacent to the first air flow outlet, and each vane of the second series of edge vanes is directed to the second air flow outlet Is oriented substantially perpendicular to the edge of the adjacent hair binding member.

The vanes of the first series of edge vanes and the second series of edge vanes are preferably substantially evenly spaced. Preferably, the edge vane and the casing vane have similar positioning patterns so that they are continuously aligned with each other.

The hair binding member preferably has an elongated shape, and each of the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet preferably substantially extends the length of the hair coupling member.

In one preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises two hair-binding members. Preferably, each hair combining member, together with the casing, forms a respective first air outlet and a respective second air outlet. The hair binding members are preferably arranged side by side. The casing preferably includes an outer casing portion and an inner casing portion, and a ledge of the inner casing portion is located between the hair coupling members.

In one preferred embodiment, the inner air flow direction guiding means further comprises a series of central baffles located between the hair binding members and in contact with the inner surface of the ledge. Preferably, the series of central baffles extend parallel to the inner surface of the first hair coupling member and the inner surface of the second hair coupling member. Each baffle in the series of central baffles preferably has an open scoop shape that redirects the received air flow by about 90 degrees toward the ledge.

Advantageously, turbulence is minimized in the deposit and therefore the audible volume of the hot air styling device with the deposit is reduced in use.

Preferably, the first series of inner edge vanes is located on the side of the first hair binding member proximate the ledge. A second series of inner edge vanes is located on the side of the second hair binding member proximate to the ledge. The baffles in the series of central baffles and the vanes in the first and second series of inner edge vanes have similar positioning patterns so as to be continuously aligned with each other.

Advantageously, the regular indentation along the side of the movable member, together with the inner central baffle and the inner casing vane, form a jet of airflow exiting the attachment.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling device, the attachment comprising: a casing having an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device; A hair combing member supported by the casing; An air flow outlet positioned between the casing and the hair engagement member and configured to direct air over the outer surface of the hair engagement member; And air flow guiding means extending over the outer surface of the hair coupling member. Preferably, the airflow outlet is formed by the side of the hair coupling member and the side wall of the casing.

The hair-binding member is preferably of an elongated shape and the air-flow outlet extends substantially the length of the hair-binding member.

Preferably, the air flow guide means comprises a series of ribs. Each rib of a series of ribs is preferably positioned parallel to the adjacent ribs, and a channel is formed between the ribs. Each rib in the series of ribs preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hair-binding member. Preferably, the ribs in the series of ribs have a uniform rib width. Each channel of the series of ribs has a uniform channel width, which is preferably greater than the width of the ribs. In one preferred embodiment, the width of each channel is between 2 mm and 4 mm.

Advantageously, the channels between adjacent ribs act to direct the air flow over the surface of the movable member, so that a uniform, parallel air flow is blown down along the axis of the user's hair.

Preferably, the outer surface of the hair-binding member has a generally arcuate profile perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hair-binding member. In a further preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises two hair-binding members. The hair binding members are preferably arranged side by side. The casing preferably includes an outer casing portion and an inner casing portion, and a ledge of the inner casing portion is located between the hair coupling members. Preferably, the attachment comprises an additional airflow outlet between the casing and the second hair coupling member, the additional airflow outlet being shaped to direct air over the outer surface of the second hair coupling member.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling device, the attachment comprising: an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device; At least one air outlet; And a chamber for delivering air from the air inlet to the at least one air outlet, the air inlet being located at one end of the chamber, the at least one air outlet extending along the length of the chamber, Decreases along the length of the at least one air outlet from the air inlet.

The advantage is obtained by reducing the internal cross-sectional area of the attachment to the downstream end of the attachment, since the consistency of the pressure across the interior space of the attachment is greater. In addition, the gradual reduction of the internal cross sectional area results in improved adhesion of the air flow to the inner central baffle and the inner side vane.

Preferably, the casing comprises a base located opposite the air outlet. Preferably, the base is substantially flat and progressively sloping toward the air outlet away from the air inlet. The base preferably includes a first layer and a second layer separated by an insulating cavity.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises a distal end on the opposite side of the air inlet and an insulating cap located on the distal end. The insulating cap preferably has a heat resistant protrusion extending from the air inlet.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling device, the attachment comprising: a casing having an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device; A hair combing member supported by the casing; A first air flow outlet formed between the casing and the hair coupling member; A second air flow outlet between the casing and the hair coupling member and spaced from the first air flow outlet; And at least one airflow barrier on the outer surface of the attachment extending between the first airflow outlet and the second airflow outlet.

Preferably, the air flow exiting through the first air flow outlet or the second air flow outlet is guided across the outer surface of the hair coupling member by at least one air flow barrier. In one preferred embodiment, the at least one airflow barrier has a height of between 1 mm and 4 mm. The at least one airflow barrier may preferably be a ridge.

A first air flow barrier is preferably located between the hair coupling member and the air inlet and a second air flow barrier is preferably located between the hair coupling member and the distal end of the attachment opposite the air inlet. At least one of the first air flow barrier and the second air flow barrier is preferably connected to the hair coupling member. Also, at least one of the first air flow barrier and the second air flow barrier is preferably connected to the casing. Preferably, the hair binding member is in an elongated form.

The ridge adjacent to each end of the movable member has the advantage that this ridge serves to prevent the accompaniment of ambient air.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling device, comprising: a casing having an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device; And a hair coupling member supported by the casing, the hair coupling member including a bristle array projecting from an outer surface of the hair coupling member, wherein each bristle in the array has an elongated shape and an elliptical cross section.

Preferably, the casing comprises a bristle array projecting from the outer surface of the casing. The array preferably includes bristles arranged in parallel rows. Each bristle preferably has a spherical portion at the distal end. In one preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises two hair coupling members supported by the casing, and the hair coupling members are preferably arranged side by side. In this preferred embodiment, the amount of bristles in the array in each hair-binding member is preferably the same. Advantageously, due to the shape of the bristles, the attachment can move smoothly through the hair and also minimize entanglement of the hair.

The above-described characteristics in relation to the first aspect of the present invention apply equally to each of the second to sixth aspects of the present invention, and vice versa.

Brief Description of the Drawings The preferred features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an attachment.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the deposit.
Figure 3 is a side view of the attachment.
4 is a front view of the attachment.
5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG.
Figure 5b shows a schematic longitudinal section of the internal space of the deposit.
6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 3, and shows the movable member in the first state.
Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 3, and shows the movable member in the first state.
Fig. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 3, and shows the movable member in the second state.
Fig. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 3, and shows the movable member in the second state.
7A is a side view of a row of bristles for attachment.
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 7A. FIG.
7C is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Fig. 7A.
7D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 7A.
Figure 8 is a side view of an example of a hot air styling device to which an attachment can be connected.

Fig. 1 is an external view of the attachment 10. Fig. Attachment 10 includes an air inlet 12 for receiving air flow exiting the air outlet end of a hot air styling device or similar device. 2, 3 and 4, the air inlet 12 is formed by a casing, which includes an outer casing portion 44, an inner casing portion 45, and a fixed plate 62. The air inlet 12 is generally circular so that a hermetic connection is possible with the generally annular outlet end of the hot air styling device. The annular collar portion 14 forms a smooth edge from the outer surface of the hot air styling device to the outer casing portion 44 of the attachment 10.

The attachment includes at least one hair coupling member for engaging the hair during use of the hot air styling device. In this embodiment, the attachment comprises two hair binding members. Each hair combing member includes a set of bristles supported by a movable member and a movable member. In this embodiment, both the first movable member 16 and the second movable member 18 are elongated and arranged side by side. The movable member is positioned on each side of the center fixed ledge 22 in the longitudinal direction. The center fixing ledge 22 forms a portion of the inner casing portion 45 and the outer casing portion 44 extends around the inner casing portion thereof. The first end of each movable member is positioned on the air inlet end side of the attachment 10 and the second end of each movable member is located on the distal end side of the attachment 10. [ The first movable member 16 and the second movable member 18 are located between the outer casing portion 44 and the inner casing portion 45 and are movable through the fixing plate 62 And is supported at the distal end. At the distal end of the attachment there is a cap, which receives a movement mechanism for moving the movable member relative to the casing and an attached cryogenic tip (26).

Each movable member has a curved outer surface. A plurality of parallel ribs 30 are located on the outer surface, and the ribs 30 are perpendicular to the length of the movable member. A channel 32 is formed between two ribs 30 adjacent to each other. The total area of the ribs 30 in each movable member has a rectangular shape surrounded by a smooth peripheral surface. Each rib 30 supports the bristles 20 of each row.

In this embodiment, the width of each channel 32 is preferably equal to or less than the height of the ribs 30. In one alternative embodiment, the width of each channel 32 is wider than the width of rib 30. In another alternative embodiment, the channel 32 may comprise a polyhedral geometry as determined by hydrodynamic analysis.

Both the first movable member 16 and the second movable member 18 have an inner surface 34 adjacent to the center fixed ledge 22 and an outer surface 40 adjacent the side wall 42 of the outer casing portion 44 ). The inner surface (34) of each movable member includes a series of regular indentations (36). The outer surface (40) of each movable member includes a series of regular indentations (38). Referring to FIG. 1, these regular indentations are not visible external portions of the attachment 10 when assembled. The regular indentations 36 along the inner side 34 preferably have a width of approximately 1 mm to 2 mm and a spacing of approximately 10 mm to 15 mm. Regular indentations 38 along the outer side 40 preferably have a width of approximately 2 mm to 3 mm and an interval of approximately 2 mm to 3 mm.

A series of baffles 46 are connected to the bottom surface of the center fixing ledge 22. 5, the side profiles of each baffle 46 are generally curved such that the curvature of the series of baffles 46 is gradually increased from the air inlet end of the attachment 10 to the distal end of the attachment 10 . The rear side portion 50 of each baffle 46 is attached to a respective support portion 52 which is also attached to the base portion 53 of the inner casing portion 45. The baffle 46 may also be supported in an alternative configuration, for example, the baffle may be in contact with the centering fixture 22 or in contact with a pair of parallel supports on each side of each baffle 46, (10). In one preferred embodiment, the baffle 46 located closest to the air inlet 12 has a minimum radius of 6 mm.

2, a curved base portion 54 of the outer casing portion 44 extends between the outer side walls 42. As shown in Fig. A series of side vanes 56 are located in each side wall 42 of the outer casing portion 44 from the inside. Specifically, each side vane 56 is positioned axially aligned with the projecting portion 57 of the outer side 40 of one movable member, so that the continuous side vane 56 and the projecting portion 57 are in contact with each other An airtight interruption occurs when the movable member is moved with respect to the outer casing portion 44. When the movable member is in this position, the channels between adjacent side vanes 56 are axially aligned with respective indentations 38 on the outer side 40 of the movable member to form a series of channels do.

2, the part located at the distal end of the attachment 10 functions mainly to realize a rotation mechanism for moving the first movable member 16 and the second movable member 18 relative to the casing . Specifically, a pivot pin 58 is received in a centrally located bore 60 at the end surface of the second end of each movable member. These pivot pins 58 pass through the fastening plate 62 and are received in the holes in the first side of the end cap 24. The central axis of inclination of the first movable member 16 is indicated by a dotted line X in Fig. The central axis of inclination of the second movable member 18 is indicated by a dotted line (Y). Each movable member has a movement range of 5 to 30 degrees. In one preferred embodiment, the range of motion is 12 degrees.

A connecting arm pin (64) protrudes outside the end surface of the second end of each movable member. Each connecting arm pin 64 passes through an elliptical hole 66 in the fastening plate 62 and is received at each end of the connecting arm 68. The connecting arm 68 functions to move the first movable member 16 and the second movable member 18 synchronously with the outer casing portion 44. [

The spring pin 70 protrudes from the inside of the end surface of the second end portion of each movable member. Each spring pin 70 passes through an enlarged hole 72 in the fastening plate 62 and a leg 74 of the torsion spring 76 and ultimately passes through each of the Lt; / RTI > The torsion spring 76 functions as an over-center mechanism between the stable first position and the stable second position so that the first movable member 16 and the second movable member 18 can be stabilized 1 position and a stable second position.

The second side of the cap 24 includes a center extension, or cryogenic tip 26, which is relatively insulated from the heat of the airflow in the attachment.

3 is an external side view of the attachment 10, showing the position of the transverse cross-section indicated by B-B and C-C. Fig. 3 shows a first ridge ridge 78 located adjacent to the first end of each movable member and a second ridge ridge 80 located adjacent to the second end of each movable member. The first ridges 78 are part of the outer casing portion 44. The second ridge 80 is part of the cap 24. The height of the first ridge 78 and the second ridge 80 is preferably about 1 mm to 4 mm.

4 is a front view of the attachment 10 seen from the air inlet end 12; The connection ring 82 has four protrusions 84 that are regularly spaced apart, which form snap-fit portions, whereby the attachment 10 is fitted into the hot air styling device. The structure line D-D cuts through each series of baffles 46.

5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. Within the cryogenic tip 26 there are several elongated cavities 86 that are used to rigidify the cryogenic tip 26 and to minimize convection and thermal conduction to the outer surface of the cryogenic tip 26 Function. The inner cross-sectional area of the attachment 10 gradually decreases from the air inlet end toward the distal end of the attachment. Specifically, the base portion 53 of the inner casing portion 45 is inclined toward the movable member from the base portion 54 of the outer casing portion 44, so that the base portion 53 and the base portion 54 A cavity 90 defined by the end plate 92 is formed.

Figure 5b schematically shows a plurality of airflow outlets, indicated by airflow inlets 12 and vertical arrows. The trapezoidal portion 55 shows a cross-sectional view of the internal space of the attachment taken along the line D-D in Fig. The cross-sectional area of the interior of the attachment at the upstream end is shown as the right edge 59 of the trapezoidal portion 55. The cross-sectional area of the interior of the attachment at the distal end is shown as the left edge 61 of the trapezoid 55. The cross-sectional area of the interior space of the attachment gradually tapers between the minimum cross-sectional area 61 at the distal end and the maximum cross-sectional area 59 at the upstream end.

In one embodiment, the base 53 has a smooth curvature profile with a maximum height at the center of the end plate 92, which profile slopes down from the end plate 92 toward the side wall 42. In other embodiments, a gradual taper of the internal cross-sectional area of the deposit 10 may be realized in an alternative configuration of the base 53. [

The "see-saw motion" of the movable member will now be described with reference to Figures 6a-6d. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B and line C-C in Fig. 3 when the movable member is in the first state with respect to the casing. Figs. 6C and 6D are sectional views similar to Figs. 6A and 6B, but the movable member is in the second state with respect to the casing. In use, when a user pulls an attachment through his hair, a tensile force is generated in the bristles 20 in the opposite direction. Thus, the tensile force of the bristles is present in each movable member, and each movable member moves along the direction of the tensile force, so that the movable member assumes the first state or the second state during use of the attachment 10. [

Figures 6a and 6b show the position of each movable member in the first state when the attachment 10 moves through the user's hair in a direction from left to right as indicated by arrow 88 in use. The first movable member 16 shown on the left side in Fig. 6A is in a first position relative to the casing in which the outer portion of the upper surface is in hermetic contact with the side wall 42 of the outer casing portion 44 And are in the same plane. The inner side surface 34 of the first movable member 16 is positioned below the center fixing reg- ister 22 and overlaps with the register in the vertical direction. A first inner air outlet 94 is formed between the center fixing ledge 22 and the inner side 34 of the first movable member 16.

The second movable member 18 shown on the right side in Fig. 6A is in a second position relative to the casing, in which the inner side 35 is in sealing contact with the center pin 22 do. The second movable member 18 has an outer portion of the upper surface located below the side wall 42 of the outer casing portion 44. A second outside air outlet 95 is formed between the second movable member 18 and the side wall 42 of the outer casing portion 44.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, Figure 6b shows the movable member in the same position as Figure 6a. The cross section C-C (FIG. 3) cuts through the support portion 52 of the baffle 46 and the narrow neck portion 93 of the baffle 46. The inner side 34 of the first movable member 16 is in contact with the narrow neck 93 of the baffle 46. The regularly spaced baffles 46 and the indentations 36 that are regularly spaced from the longitudinal inner side 34 of each movable member are in contact with each other so that the inner air outlet 94 is in communication with a series of central air outlet holes & . Similarly, regularly spaced inner side vanes 56 and projections 57 that are regularly spaced from the outer side 40 of each of the movable members are in contact with each other so that the outer air outlets 95 are connected to a series of external air Into an exit hole.

When the direction in which the user combs is reversed and the direction of the tensile force acting on the bristles 20 is reversed, the movable member moves synchronously to the opposite position. Therefore, the first movable member 16 and the second movable member 18 are in the second state with respect to the casing as shown in Figs. 6C and 6D. Specifically, in use, the attachment 10 is moved in a direction from right to left as indicated by arrow 89. The first movable member 16 shown in the left side of Fig. 6C is in the second position in which the inner side surface 34 is in contact with the center fixing ledge 22 and the outer side surface 40 is in contact with the outer casing 44 As shown in FIG. A third outside air outlet 97 is formed between the first movable member 16 and the side wall 42 of the outer casing portion 44.

The second movable member 18 shown on the right side of Fig. 6C is in the second position, and at this position, the outer side surface 40 contacts the outer side wall 42 of the outer casing part 44. [ The second movable member 18 has an inner portion of the upper surface located below the center fixing post 22 and overlapping with the vertical portion in the vertical direction. And a fourth inside air outlet 96 is formed between the second movable member 18 and the center fixing ledge 22.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, Fig. 6d shows the movable member in the second state and thus in the same position as in 6c. The cross section C-C (FIG. 3) cuts through the support portion 52 of the baffle 46 and the narrow neck portion 93 of the baffle 46.

This synchronous movement between two opposing positions is a so-called "seesaw" action. The "seesaw" movement is carried out and limited by the elliptical holes 72, 66 of the fixing plate 62 and the pivot pin 58 and the connecting arm pin 64 are respectively positioned through the elliptical hole. If the movable member takes one of two different stable states, the attachment 10 has a single open inside air outlet and a single open outside air outlet. For example, when the movable member is in the first state, the air flow outlets 94 and 95 are opened and the air flow outlets 96 and 97 are closed. When the movable member is in the second state, the air flow outlets 94 and 95 are closed and the air flow outlets 96 and 97 are opened.

In use, the attachment 10 is connected to the airflow outlet end of the hot air styling device. The air flow passes from the hot air styling device through the air inlet 12 and into the attachment 10. The front side 48 of each series of baffles 46 serves to change the direction of the incoming air flow. Specifically, the air flow entering from the air inlet 12 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 10. The baffle 46 changes this path in the direction of the centering fixture 22 and toward the open inner air outlet 94 by about 90 degrees. Both the front side portion 48 and the rear side portion 50 of each baffle 46 help to change the air flow direction. A series of baffles 46 form a first series of air jets out of the attachment 10, in cooperation with the regular indentations 36 on the inner side 34 of each movable member.

In addition, the side vanes 56 direct the air flow to the open outer air outlet 95 and cooperate with the regular indentations 38 on the outer side 40 of each of the movable members, 2 Form a series of air jets.

The air flow exiting the attachment (1) through one of the open inner air outlet and the open outer air outlet is caused to flow over the outer surface of the adjacent movable member due to the profile of the movable member. By virtue of the formation of the side vanes 56 and the baffle 46, the outgoing air flow is straight and parallel and flows evenly over the surface of the movable member, so that the hair is attracted to the surface of the movable member. In one exemplary embodiment, the airflow rate exiting each airflow outlet is about 30 m / s.

Due to the dimensions of the air flow outlet and the profile of each movable member, the ambient air flow is drawn into this surface air flow. Therefore, the air flow through the channel 32 and along the length of the user's hair is augmented by ambient air. Also, by the shape and the teeth of the channel 32, the flow adhesion is improved when the air flow moves over the surface of the movable member.

6A and 6B, when in use the attachment 10 moves in a direction from left to right as indicated by the arrow 88 at the top of the figure, the air flow over the surface of each movable member is smaller The air flow is in the opposite direction as indicated by the arrow. 6C and 6D, if the direction of use of the attachment 10 is reversed, the direction of the airflow across the surface of each movable member is also reversed.

The cross sectional area of the inner space of the deposit 10 gradually decreases toward the downstream end of the deposit 10. [ This reduction in cross-sectional area serves to keep the pressure of the airflow exiting the attachment constant along the entire length of the air outlet and also to prevent turbulence. The decrease in cross-sectional area is proportional to the lower mass flow rate of the air flow inside the deposit. The mass flow rate is lowered as the air flow exits the attachment 10 from the upstream end of the attachment through the inner air outlet and the outer air outlet to the downstream end of the attachment. Thus, as a result of the reduction of the cross-sectional area, the velocity of the air flow exiting the deposit becomes constant along the entire length of the air outlet. Also, as a result of the gradual reduction of the internal cross-sectional area, the adhesion of air flow to the vane and baffle is improved.

The first ridge 78 and the second ridge 80 serve to prevent undesirable entrainment of ambient air to the even and parallel air flow through the channel 32. [

Figures 7a-7d show preferred forms of bristles for attachments. FIG. 7A shows a row of bristles, wherein each bristle 99 is attached to an elongated base plate 98. A vertical section (A-A) through the bristles 99 is shown in Fig. 7B. The proximal end 100 of the bristle 99 is wider than the tip 102 of the bristle and the side is substantially straight and has a generally spherical shape at the tip 102 of the bristle 99. As shown in Fig. 7C, the cross section of each bristle through the tip 102 is circular. 7D shows that the cross section of each bristle 99 through the proximal portion 100 is elliptical. Once assembled, the longer dimension of the elliptical profile of each bristle 20 aligns with the longer dimension of each rib 30 of each movable member. In an alternate embodiment, each bristle 99 has an elliptical cross-section relative to the entire bristles, and the cross-sectional size may progressively decrease toward the tip 102 of the bristles 99.

In addition, the shape of each bristle 99 may be contoured to optimize flow adhesion as the air flow moves across the surface of each movable member between the bristles 20. In one preferred embodiment, the bristles 20 can be bent and have a length of about 15 mm. The bristles 20 may or may not have a substantially spherical end shape.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the bristles of the present hot air styling apparatus attachment can be assembled alone or assembled into preformed rows of two or more connected bristles (as shown in FIG. 7A). Each bristle 99 is positioned in the rib 30 and, optionally, the rib 30 can cause each bristle 99 to move in one or more directions. For example, a small cushioning motion of each bristle 99 along the longitudinal axis of the bristles can improve the comfort of the user experience, since the bristles will have a reduced force on the scalp.

Referring to Fig. 1, the upper surface of each movable member is in an arch shape, so that the ribs 30 are drawn in the same arch shape. Thus, the vertical alignment of the bristles 20 held within the single rib 30 is not parallel.

Figure 8 shows an example of a hot air styling device 104 to which an attachment 10 can be connected. The hot air styling apparatus includes a generally tubular handle 106 having an air inlet 108 and an air outlet 110 at opposite ends thereof. At the air inlet end of the handle, an array of holes extending around the handle 106 and also partially along the handle provides an air inlet 108. The fan unit inside the handle 106 includes a fan and a motor. In use, the motor drives the fan and air is drawn through the air inlet and flows along the airflow path extending through the length of the handle 106. [ The air is selectively heated by the heater before leaving the hot air styling device at the air outlet 110.

In a further embodiment, a channel may be provided between the bases 53, 54, which serves as an insulated low temperature wall cavity. In a further preferred embodiment, the cavity 90 for reducing the internal cross-sectional area of the deposit may be continuous with the low temperature wall cavity between the bases 53, 54. This low temperature wall cavity serves to reduce the temperature of the base 54 of the outer casing portion 44 that can contact the user.

In a further structural alternative, the low-temperature wall may comprise a separate layer of material covering the base and wall of the outer casing portion 44 of the attachment 10, the layer of material having a minimum number of engagement ribs, Is maintained at a predetermined distance from the base of the portion 44 and the wall. The low temperature wall does not form a closed cavity, but a channel is formed between the low temperature wall and the outer casing portion 44, which can promote airflow through the low temperature wall channel by the Venturi effect in use.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the deflection function of the torsion spring 76 can be realized in several alternative ways. For example, a magnetic latch or a weighted movable member or an integrated ball bearing in a stop mechanism may be used.

The attachment may be made of any suitable heat resistant material, and in one preferred embodiment, the casing and the movable member are made of glass filled nylon. The preferred maximum operating temperature of such attachment connected to the hot air styling device is approximately 130 ° C.

In this embodiment of the attachment, two parallel movable members have been described. Alternatively, a single movable member or three or more movable members may be used inside the outer casing portion 44. [ In an embodiment involving a single movable member, the central baffle and the center fixed register will need to be omitted. An alternative embodiment involving a plurality of movable members may include a plurality of rows of central baffles positioned to create an air flow jet between the movable members. Further, in an alternative embodiment of the attachment, the movable member may be adapted to move in a hinge movement or a sliding movement.

In this embodiment of the attachment 10 as shown in the accompanying drawings, three rows of bristles 20 are shown in each of the movable members. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the number of rows of bristles in each movable member may be greater than or less than three. Particularly, there is an advantage in a bristle-free attachment, so that the user can benefit from the hair grooming effect of the airflow path without the more coarse effect of the bristles passing through the hair. Alternatively, the bristles 20 may be located in the outer casing portion 44 instead of or in addition to the bristles 20 in each movable member. In addition, embodiments with more than one movable member may not have bristles located in the respective movable members.

The invention is not limited to the details given above. Variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (24)

An attachment for a hair styling device,
A casing having an air inlet for receiving air flow from the hair styling device;
A hair coupling member supported by the casing;
A first air flow outlet between the casing and the hair engagement member;
A second air flow outlet between the casing and the hair coupling member and spaced from the first air flow outlet; And
And inner air flow direction guiding means located inside the casing for directing air to the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the first air flow outlet and the second air flow outlet is formed at least partially into a respective side wall of the casing. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Wherein the inner air flow direction guiding means comprises a plurality of vanes. The method of claim 3,
Wherein the inner air flow direction guiding means comprises a plurality of casing vanes connected to the casing. 5. The method of claim 4,
The plurality of casing vanes may include:
A first series of casing vanes located adjacent to the first air flow outlet and located on a first sidewall of the casing,
And a second series of casing vanes located at a second sidewall of the casing adjacent the second air flow outlet. 6. The method of claim 5,
Each vane of said first series of casing vanes being oriented substantially perpendicular to an edge of a first sidewall of said casing forming said first air flow outlet,
Wherein each vane of the second series of casing vanes is oriented substantially perpendicular to an edge of a second side wall of the casing forming the second air flow outlet. The method according to claim 5 or 6,
Wherein the first series of casing vanes and the second series of casing vanes are substantially evenly spaced apart. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Wherein the inner air flow direction guiding means comprises a plurality of edge vanes connected to the hair coupling member. 9. The method of claim 8,
The plurality of edge vanes may include a plurality of edge vanes,
A first series of edge vanes located adjacent the first air flow outlet and located on a first side of the hair engagement member,
And a second set of edge vanes located on a second side of the hair engagement member adjacent the second air flow outlet. 10. The method of claim 9,
Each vane of said first series of edge vanes being oriented substantially perpendicular to an edge of said hair engagement member adjacent said first air flow outlet,
Wherein each vane of the second series of edge vanes is oriented substantially perpendicular to an edge of the hair engagement member adjacent the second air flow outlet. 11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
Wherein the vanes of the first series of edge vanes and the second series of edge vanes are substantially equally spaced. 13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
Wherein the edge vane and the casing vane have similar positioning patterns to be continuously aligned with each other. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wherein the hair-binding member has an elongated shape. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the first airflow outlet and the second airflow outlet each extend substantially the length of the hair engagement member. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
A detachment comprising two said hair-binding members. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
Wherein each of the hair combining members forms, together with the casing, a respective first air outlet and a respective second air outlet. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the hair-binding members are disposed side by side. 18. The method of claim 17,
The casing including an outer casing portion and an inner casing portion, wherein a ledge of the inner casing portion is located between the hair coupling members. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the inner air flow direction guiding means further comprises a series of central baffles located between the hair binding members and in contact with the inner surface of the ledge. 20. The method of claim 19,
The series of central baffles extending parallel to the inner surface of the first hair coupling member and the inner surface of the second hair coupling member. 21. The method according to claim 19 or 20,
Wherein each baffle in the series of central baffles has an open scoop shape that redirects the received air flow by about 90 degrees toward the ledge. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein a first series of inner edge vanes is located on a side of the first hair engagement member proximate the ledge. 22. The method according to claim 20 or 21,
The second series of inner edge vanes being located on the side of the second hair binding member proximate the ledge. 24. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23,
Wherein the baffle in the series of central baffles and the vanes in the first and second series of inner edge vanes have a similar positioning pattern to be continuously aligned with each other.

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