US20210289909A1 - Attachment for a handheld appliance - Google Patents
Attachment for a handheld appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210289909A1 US20210289909A1 US17/264,771 US201917264771A US2021289909A1 US 20210289909 A1 US20210289909 A1 US 20210289909A1 US 201917264771 A US201917264771 A US 201917264771A US 2021289909 A1 US2021289909 A1 US 2021289909A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- attachment
- tooth
- air outlet
- airflow
- series
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 112
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 15
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000004761 scalp Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- QCDFBFJGMNKBDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Clioquinol Chemical compound C1=CN=C2C(O)=C(I)C=C(Cl)C2=C1 QCDFBFJGMNKBDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010019049 Hair texture abnormal Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003745 detangling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003779 heat-resistant material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D20/04—Hot-air producers
- A45D20/08—Hot-air producers heated electrically
- A45D20/10—Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches
- A45D20/12—Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D20/04—Hot-air producers
- A45D20/08—Hot-air producers heated electrically
- A45D20/10—Hand-held drying devices, e.g. air douches
- A45D20/12—Details thereof or accessories therefor, e.g. nozzles, stands
- A45D20/122—Diffusers, e.g. for variable air flow
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D20/00—Hair drying devices; Accessories therefor
- A45D20/48—Hair-drying combs or hair-drying brushes, with internal heating means
- A45D20/50—Hair-drying combs or hair-drying brushes, with internal heating means and provision for an air stream
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
- A45D2/00—Hair-curling or hair-waving appliances ; Appliances for hair dressing treatment not otherwise provided for
- A45D2/001—Hair straightening appliances
- A45D2/002—Hair straightening appliances with combs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an attachment for a handheld appliance, in particular a hair care appliance such as a hot air styling device or hair dryer.
- the form and velocity of the emitted airflow may be modified by a removable nozzle or attachment.
- the airflow may or may not be heated.
- a concentrator is a known attachment which focuses and flattens the emitted airflow, allowing the airflow to be directed to a specific area of the user's hair.
- Certain hair types, such as textured hair benefit from arranging the user's hair with a comb or pic during the drying process, in order to avoid tangling of hair tresses. It is desirable to provide an attachment suitable for improving the ease and speed with which textured hair may be dried or styled.
- the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an elongate slot-shaped air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, a bar mounted within the duct and along the length of the air outlet and a series of comb teeth mounted on the bar.
- the attachment may be especially beneficial for users with textured hair and the attachment may also be referred to as a pic or textured hair comb.
- the bar is adapted to flex torsionally. Further, the bar is preferably adapted to flex in a plane orthogonal to the length of the air outlet. It is preferred that each tooth in the series of comb teeth has a first end positioned within the duct and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction, and the bar is adapted to enable each tooth to describe a spherical sector about an axis of the first end of the tooth.
- the second end of each tooth may move, in use, to describe a circle of approximately 5 mm radius, and the second end of each tooth gently conforms to the shape of the user's head, and resiliently returns to an aligned arrangement when not in use.
- the bar comprises a securing means at each end for mounting the bar within the duct.
- the securing means provides a fixed join or a pivoted join. It is preferred that the bar is formed of a flexible material, such as a nylon material.
- the bar and the series of comb teeth are formed as a single entity.
- the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an elongate slot-shaped air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, a series of comb teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end located substantially at the air outlet and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction, wherein at least one tooth comprises a planar, triangular form, oriented substantially orthogonally to the length of the air outlet.
- the attachment functions as a drying and detangling tool and the emitted airflow experienced by the user is generally uniform in temperature and velocity.
- the attachment improves the ease and speed with which textured hair may be dried or styled.
- the first end of the at least one tooth has a semi-circular profile. It is also preferred that the second end of the at least one tooth forms an apex.
- the apex may comprise a rod form and may further comprise a spherical form at a terminal end of the tooth.
- each tooth has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.
- each tooth in the series of comb teeth is regularly spaced. Further, it is preferred that each tooth in the series of comb teeth is spaced from adjacent teeth by a distance in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm.
- the first end of the outermost teeth in the series of comb teeth may be angled towards a longitudinal axis of the attachment. Further, the second end of the outermost teeth in the series of comb teeth may be angled towards a longitudinal axis of the attachment.
- the series of comb teeth is formed of a flexing material.
- the attachment further comprises a series of vanes within the duct oriented substantially orthogonally to the length of the air outlet, and a downstream end of at least one vane of the series of vanes comprises an inverted semi-circular profile adapted to fit around the first end of an aligned tooth. It is also preferred that the first end of the aligned tooth is freely moveable within the inverted semi-circular profile of the at least one vane.
- each tooth within the series of teeth has a limited range of movement, thereby enabling the series of teeth to conform to the shape of the user's scalp, in use.
- the present invention provides an attachment for a hair dryer, wherein the hair dryer comprises a body having an outer wall, an inner bore and a duct therebetween, and an airflow outlet at a front face of the body; the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair dryer, an air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a stabilizing member for positioning within the inner bore of the hair dryer.
- the air inlet is located between the stabilizing member and the duct of the attachment.
- the stabilizing member is preferably generally cylindrical. It is preferred that the stabilizing member has a diameter in the range from 25 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably in the range from 32 mm to 38 mm.
- the stabilizing member has a first end distal to the air inlet and a second end proximal to the air inlet, and the second end has a diameter in the range from 35 mm to 37 mm.
- the stabilizing member tapers from the second end to the first end. It is preferred that the stabilizing member has a friction fit with the inner bore of the hair dryer.
- the diameter of the cylindrical stabilizing member may increase gradually from the first end to the second end in order to achieve a flush fit between the stabilizing member and the inner bore of the hair dryer along the length of the stabilizing member.
- the attachment may comprise a seal disposed between the stabilizing member and the inner bore of the hair dryer, and said seal may be an elastic o-ring attached to the stabilizing member.
- the air inlet is a slot, and further, may be an annular slot.
- the attachment preferably comprises a ring of magnet material adjacent to and extending around the air inlet.
- the length of the stabilizing member is preferably in the range from 10 mm to 120 mm.
- Airflow emitted from the air outlet of the hairdryer may have a temperature range up to around 130° C.
- the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an elongate slot-shaped air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, an airflow guiding entity located at least partially within the duct, said airflow guiding entity having a plurality of vanes orientated substantially orthogonally to the length of the air outlet, and a series of comb teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end located at the air outlet and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction.
- each vane substantially abuts a first end of a tooth.
- each vane comprises a downstream terminal edge having an inverted semi-circular form.
- the airflow guiding entity is a bung comprising a substantially circular first end and a domed second end. It is also preferred that the vanes are connected to an outer surface of the bung and extend from the circular first end to the domed second end and protrude beyond the second end.
- the air inlet may comprises at least one slot, and more preferably, the air inlet comprises an annular slot located around the first end of the bung.
- the air inlet is located at one end of the duct, and the air outlet extends along the length of the duct.
- the airflow guiding entity may be a series of vanes, each spanning the duct in proximity to the air outlet.
- Advantage is found in utilizing one or more vanes within the duct in order to direct the inlet airflow smoothly, through approximately 90 degrees, towards the air outlet.
- the cross-sectional area of the duct decreases in size from the air inlet along the length of the air outlet.
- the attachment preferably comprises a contoured duct wall extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.
- turbulent airflow is minimized within the attachment and consequently the audible volume of the hot air styling device with attachment is minimized in use.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an attachment
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the attachment
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachment
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the attachment
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the attachment
- FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a hair-engaging section of the attachment
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a bung of the attachment
- FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a sleeve of the attachment.
- FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a securing member of the attachment.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of the bung and the hair-engaging section of the attachment.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the bung and the hair-engaging section of the attachment.
- FIGS. 12 a , 12 b , 12 c and 12 d show a top view, a side view, a front view and a rear view respectively, of the hair-engaging section of the attachment;
- FIG. 13 a is a schematic diagram of a horizontal cross-section through a further embodiment of the attachment, also illustrating airflow
- FIG. 13 b is a schematic diagram of a horizontal cross-section through the attachment, also illustrating airflow
- FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the attachment with a protective cap
- FIG. 15 is a front view of the attachment with the protective cap
- FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an example of a hair dryer to which the attachment may be connected;
- FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternative attachment
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the alternative attachment.
- FIG. 19 is an end view of the attachment shown in FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 is a top view of a yet further embodiment of the alternative attachment
- FIG. 21 is a side view of an example of a hot air styler to which the alternative attachment may be connected.
- FIGS. 1 to 5 are external views of an attachment 10 .
- the attachment 10 comprises an air inlet 12 for receiving airflow from an air outlet end of a hair dryer or similar apparatus.
- the air inlet 12 is an annular aperture defined by an annular magnet 14 at the outer periphery and a circular end of a central bung 16 at the inner periphery.
- a sleeve 18 is located downstream of the air inlet 12 and covers the bung 16 .
- a series of elongate teeth 20 protrude from the downstream opening 22 of the sleeve 18 .
- a stabilizing cylindrical member 24 extends about a longitudinal axis, x, of the attachment 10 at the upstream side of the air inlet 12 .
- the distal end of the cylindrical member 24 comprises an elastic O-ring 26 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates the hair-engaging section 28 of the attachment which comprises the series of elongate teeth 20 connected to a bar 30 extending along an axis, y, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 10 .
- Each tooth 20 has a triangular blade form, orientated with a blade edge 32 aligned with the longitudinal axis, x, of the attachment 10 .
- a wide, first end 34 of each tooth has a rounded profile.
- the bar 30 is flexible and allows movement of the connected teeth in several orientations.
- a lug 36 is positioned at the first end of the outside tooth 20 at each side of the hair-engaging section 28 , and an aperture 40 is located within each lug 36 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates the bung 16 which has a generally conical form with a series of vanes 42 located on the outer surface of the bung 16 .
- a first end of the bung 16 is a generally circular opening 44 or wall and a second end is a rounded dome form.
- Seven vanes 42 are illustrated and each vane within the series of vanes is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, x, of the attachment.
- the vanes 42 commence on both opposing sides of the circular opening 44 , extend over the tapering surface of the bung 16 , and then meet at the second end of the bung.
- the vanes terminate in a c-shaped profile 46 .
- a flange 48 is located at the first end of the bung which cooperates with the second end 50 of the cylindrical member 24 .
- a pair of snap-fit arms 52 are located towards the first end of the bung on opposing sides of the circular opening 44 , on the transverse plane, y, of the attachment 10 . These snap-fit arms 52 engage with an annular magnet 14 which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the annular magnet 14 has an annular plastics casing 15 which partially surrounds an outer surface of the magnet 14 .
- the sleeve 18 is an annulus having a rounded rectangular cross-section, which is adapted at a first end to accommodate the bung 16 .
- the first end 22 of the sleeve 18 also comprises an end wall 54 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the attachment 10 and defining a shoulder 56 of the sleeve 18 .
- a pair of apertures 58 are located on opposing sides of the second end of the sleeve 18 , on the transverse plane, y, of the attachment 10 .
- Several locating protrusions 60 , 62 are positioned on an inner surface of the sleeve 18 .
- the cylindrical member 24 has four walls 64 located radially within the cylinder, extending from an axial fixing member 66 to an inner surface 68 of the cylinder. As shown in FIG. 9 , an inner surface 68 of a first end of the cylindrical member 24 is adapted to engage with an outer surface of the flange 48 of the bung 16 .
- FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of the bung 16 and the hair-engaging section 28 , and in particular, the alignment of the vanes 42 with the teeth 20 .
- the seven vanes 42 of the bung 16 align with the seven central teeth 20 of the hair-engaging section 28 .
- the first end 34 of at least three further teeth 20 at each side are inclined towards the longitudinal axis of the attachment, x.
- the c-shaped profile of the second end of the vanes 42 cooperates with the semi-circular first end of the seven central teeth 20 , as shown most clearly in FIG. 11 .
- the hair-engaging member 28 comprises a plurality of teeth 20 connected to a bar 30 .
- the bar 30 is generally rectangular in cross-section.
- the hair-engaging member 28 may be molded as a single element, or individual teeth 20 may be fixed onto a bar 30 .
- Two alternative tooth profiles are illustrated in FIG. 12 b .
- the left-hand side profile has straight blade edges which join at a curved tip 76 .
- a rod 78 extends from a narrow, second end of each tooth and the terminal end of the rod comprises a ball-form 80 .
- each tooth is in the range from 5 mm to 25 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 16 mm to 18 mm.
- the length, l, of each tooth external to the air outlet is in the range from 30 mm to 80 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 50 mm to 60 mm.
- the width, w, of each tooth is in the range from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm.
- the number of teeth in the hair-engaging member is in the range from 7 and 20, and in this embodiment is in the range from 12 to 14.
- the length of the flexing bar, b, is in the range from 50 mm to 80 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 60 mm to 70 mm.
- the sleeve 18 is moved to surround the junction between the hair-engaging member 28 and the bung 16 .
- the lugs 36 at the first end of the hair engaging member 28 align with the apertures 58 in the second end of the sleeve 18 .
- a pin 41 is inserted through each aperture 58 and into a receiving aperture 40 in each lug 36 , respectively.
- the cylindrical stabilizing section 24 is connected to the bung 16 via the flange 48 at the first end of the bung 16 .
- a screw connection between the axial fixing member 66 of the cylindrical section and an axial protrusion (not shown) within the bung 16 may be used reinforce this connection.
- the annular magnet 14 which is preferably partly encased by plastic 15 , is moved along the cylindrical section 24 towards the bung 16 , and secured in position by the snap-fit arms 52 .
- the locating protrusions 60 , 62 can be fused to the nearest vane 42 by, for example, ultrasonic welding. Such a fused structure also functions to add rigidity to the attachment 10 .
- the textured hair pic 10 is attached to the airflow outlet end of a hair dryer 72 .
- An example of a hair dryer to which the pic may be attached is illustrated in FIG. 16 .
- Such a hair dryer is described in WO2015/001306, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, in which heated airflow is emitted from an annular slot located at the air outlet end of the hair dryer 72 .
- the air outlet slot 84 extends around a bore 70 of the hair dryer.
- the cylindrical member 24 of the attachment 10 is inserted into the bore 70 of the hair dryer 72 in order to provide a stable arrangement between the attachment 10 and hairdryer 72 .
- the annular magnet 14 of the attachment 10 engages with a ring of magnetic material 86 , which is adjacent to the air outlet slot 84 of the hair dryer 72 .
- the elastic O-ring 26 provides further engagement between the outer surface of the attachment 10 and the inner surface of the bore 70 in the hair dryer 72 . Even when significant force is exerted on the attachment 10 via the teeth 20 , the cylindrical member 24 functions to avoid relative movement between the attachment 10 and the hairdryer 72 .
- Airflow emitted from the hair dryer 72 passes through the annular air inlet 12 of the attachment and passes over the surface of the bung 16 , guided by the vanes 42 , and bounded by the sleeve 18 .
- the airflow continues past the first end of the hair-engaging section 28 , and through the air outlet 22 , as defined by the second end of the sleeve 18 .
- Guided by the plurality of teeth the airflow continues towards the second end of the hair-engaging section 28 .
- the temperature of the components will rise.
- the user may position their fingers at the short sides of the sleeve 18 .
- the sleeve may comprise a double wall with a gap between, thereby creating an insulating effect.
- the user may move the attachment 10 through their hair, and the teeth 20 may be in contact with the user's scalp.
- the flexing bar 30 allows the teeth 20 to move and thereby conform to the shape of the user's head.
- each tooth 20 is comprised of a flexing material.
- the user's movement of the attachment 10 through the hair may be irregular and the arrangement of the hair may be non-uniform, and thus individual teeth may be urged in different directions or rotations.
- the flexing bar 30 enables such movement of the teeth 20 to a limited extent.
- the greatest movement of the teeth 20 occurs at the terminal end of each tooth. When movement of a terminal end of a tooth is in alignment with the z-axis, as shown in FIG.
- said tooth can be considered to “pivot” about the flexing bar 30 , although the junction of the bar and each tooth remains in a fixed relationship. Consequently, the first end of each tooth has limited rotational movement.
- the c-shaped second end 46 of the vanes 42 allows such rotational movement of the respective tooth without obstruction. Movement of the second end of a tooth 20 in alignment with the y-axis, may cause limited movement of the first end of the tooth in the same axis. Again, such movement is not obstructed by the vanes 42 .
- Each of the components of the attachment 10 is formed from a plastics material.
- the hair-engaging member comprises glass filled nylon or super-tough nylon.
- FIGS. 13 a and 13 b illustrate the advantageous effect of the vanes 42 on the outer surface of the bung 16 .
- the airflow pattern is shown as a shaded area.
- FIG. 13 a schematically shows an attachment in which the vanes are absent. The airflow passes from the air inlet to the air outlet, generally undeflected, and negligible flow is present at the outermost sides of the hair-engaging member.
- FIG. 13 b schematically shows an attachment with vanes and thus the airflow is deflected by the vanes and the cross-section of the airflow at the outlet is greater than the airflow at the inlet.
- the vanes 42 on the bung 16 guide the airflow from the inlet to expand across the complete width of the air outlet 22 . Therefore, airflow is directed through a greater area of the user's hair, and consequently the time required to dry hair is reduced.
- a protective cap 82 can be positioned over the hair-engaging portion 28 when the attachment 10 is not in use.
- the protective cap 82 illustrated in FIG. 14 , comprises a sleeve 85 having a similar transverse cross-sectional form and dimensions to the sleeve 18 of the attachment. One major side is cut away, and a first end has walls 87 adapted to receive the first end of the teeth 20 and a second end has a pair of transverse walls 88 adapted to receive the second end of the teeth.
- the protective cap 82 can be slid over the hair-engaging section 28 , in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 14 , until the first end of the protective cap 82 abuts the second end of the sleeve 18 . In this way, the teeth 20 are retained in the correct position as the temperature of the attachment falls and returns to the ambient temperature.
- the cut-away section 90 of the protective cap improves the rate of thermal transfer from the teeth as the temperature of the attachment 10 falls. Additionally, the protective cap 82 functions to protect the teeth from some impacts and possible damage when the attachment 10 is not in use.
- FIGS. 17 to 20 An alternative pic attachment, for use with a hot air styling device, is shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 .
- the attachment 100 comprises an air inlet 102 , defined by a collar 104 , for receiving an airflow from an air outlet end of a hot air styling device.
- the air inlet 102 is generally circular in shape, to enable an air-tight connection with a generally circular air outlet end of the hot air styling device.
- Regularly spaced protrusions 106 on the collar 104 enable a click-fit connection to the air outlet end of the hot air styling device.
- Alternative connection options will be apparent to the skilled person, such as screw-fit or push-fit arrangements.
- the air inlet 102 is in fluid communication with a duct 108 .
- the duct 108 has an air outlet 110 which is elongate in shape.
- An external surface of the attachment 100 is in the form of a sleeve 112 extending partially about the duct 108 .
- the air outlet 110 may extend beyond the top opening of the sleeve 112 .
- FIG. 17 Whilst the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 comprises 13 teeth in the hair-engaging section, FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment comprising 15 teeth in the hair-engaging section. FIG. 20 shows a yet further embodiment comprising 17 teeth in the hair-engaging section.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view which shows a gradually reducing depth of the duct 108 towards a distal end of the attachment 100 . Consequently, the cross-sectional area of the duct 108 decreases, or tapers, gradually towards the distal end of the attachment 100 .
- the cross-sectional area of the sleeve 112 does not vary in size along its length towards the distal end of the attachment 100 , and so the spacing between the duct 108 and the sleeve 112 gradually increases in cross-sectional area towards the distal end of the attachment, forming a chamber 114 .
- a contoured wall 116 extends between the air inlet 102 and air outlet 110 .
- FIG. 18 shows an attachment comprising five vanes 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 .
- the unbroken vane 118 is in closest proximity to the airflow inlet end of the duct 108 and has an aerofoil form.
- the orientation of the unbroken vane 118 is aligned closely to the natural airflow direction, and a downstream end of vane 118 terminates normal to the air outlet 110 .
- the four further vanes 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 are split vanes, each comprising a major section and a minor section. Each vane has slightly differing dimensions and proportions. A downstream end of the major section of each split vane is a narrow tail which terminates normal to, and in close proximity to, the air outlet. The downstream ends of the major section of each split vane are positioned at approximately regular intervals of 14 mm-15 mm.
- each vane in the alternative attachment 100 may comprise a single, curved vane instead of a major section and a minor section.
- a hair-engaging section 128 is located at the air outlet 110 of the attachment 100 .
- Lugs 130 at each end of the hair-engaging section 128 are attached to the duct walls 132 at the short ends of the elongate air outlet 110 .
- a pin 134 passes through an aperture in the duct walls 132 and into a receiving aperture in each lug 130 .
- a flexing bar 136 extends across the air outlet 110 , to which a plurality of teeth 138 are attached.
- a first end 140 of some of the plurality of teeth 138 abut the downstream ends of the vanes 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 .
- the vanes have a c-shaped downstream end and the teeth 138 have a semi-circular upstream end and so limited movement of the teeth is enabled, as described with respect to the hair engaging member and vanes of the attachment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 15 .
- the attachment illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20 is attached to the airflow outlet end of a hot air hair styling device.
- the airflow passes through the air inlet 102 of the attachment to enter the duct 108 .
- the airflow is guided by the vanes 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 towards the air outlet 110 where the airflow is emitted from the attachment 100 .
- the contoured wall 116 functions to direct the airflow towards the air outlet with a minimum of turbulence and low velocity flow.
- the airflow velocity of the airflow proximal to the airflow inlet is adequate to ensure a required level of attachment of the airflow to the unbroken vane.
- Split vanes function to improve attachment of the airflow to the vane as the incident airflow velocity is reduced.
- the airflow exiting the outlet 110 is straight, even flow with an outlet airflow velocity lower than the inlet airflow velocity.
- the outlet airflow has a relatively slow velocity decay and leaves the duct 108 uniformly at right-angles to the direction of the incident airflow into the attachment 100 .
- the velocity of the airflow exiting the duct is around 30 m/s-35 m/s.
- the outlet airflow is guided by the teeth, thereby continuing the emitted straight, even flow towards the user's hair.
- the movement of the teeth 138 in this alternative attachment is similar to the movement of the teeth in the hairdryer attachment, as described previously.
- the cross-sectional area of the duct 108 tapers gradually towards the distal end of the attachment 100 .
- the function of this reduction in cross-sectional area is to ensure a constant pressure of airflow exiting the attachment along the entire length of the air outlet and to prevent turbulent flow.
- the reduction in cross-sectional area is proportional to falling mass flow rate of the airflow within the duct. The mass flow falls as airflow exits the duct via the air outlet from the upstream end of the attachment to the downstream end of the attachment. Consequently, the reduction in cross-sectional area of the duct 108 results in a constant outlet airflow velocity along the length of the air outlet.
- the inlet airflow may be heated before entering the attachment 100 and consequently the duct may become hot during use.
- the sleeve 112 functions as a cool wall to minimize the temperature of the outermost surface of the attachment, as the air-filled chamber 114 insulates the sleeve from the duct.
- a protective cap as illustrated in FIG. 14 , can also be used with the further embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 20 .
- each tooth 138 may omit the rod and ball, having only an apex of the triangular blade form.
- a tooth having a plain apex at the second end 140 is less prone to breakage or deformity, in use.
- the flexing bar 136 may have any suitable form, such as a circular or oval cross-section.
- the sleeve 112 may be inclined towards the duct at the airflow outlet. This functions to enable outlet airflow (which may be referred to as “primary airflow”) to entrain air present in the chamber 114 , thereby moving air through the chamber and drawing ambient air in through the port 142 between the sleeve 112 and the duct 108 . Ambient air moving through the chamber (which may be referred to as “secondary airflow”) enhances the efficacy of the cool wall effect of the sleeve 112 .
- primary airflow outlet airflow
- Ambient air moving through the chamber which may be referred to as “secondary airflow” enhances the efficacy of the cool wall effect of the sleeve 112 .
- the secondary airflow is cooler than the heated primary airflow and therefore relative proportions of the secondary and primary airflow should be controlled in order to optimise the airflow temperature experienced by the user.
- control is realized by an airflow outlet geometry, which is comprised of the dimensions and relative location of the primary airflow outlet and the secondary airflow outlet.
- the depth, d, (shown in FIG. 18 ) of the further attachment is in the range from 30 mm to 70 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 40 mm to 60 mm.
- the height, c, of the attachment from the top of the sleeve to the air inlet is in the range from 80 mm to 120 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 90 mm to 110 mm.
- FIG. 21 shows an example of a hot air styling device 144 to which the further attachment 100 may be connected.
- the hot air styling device 144 comprises a generally tubular handle 146 having an air inlet 148 and an air outlet 150 at opposing ends. At the air inlet 148 , an array of apertures 152 extend around and partially along the handle 146 .
- a fan unit (not shown) is housed within the handle and comprises a fan and a motor. In use, the motor drives the fan and air is drawn in through the air inlet, along an air flow path which extends through the length of the handle. The air is optionally heated by a heater (not shown) before exiting the hot air styling device 144 at the air outlet 150 .
- the attachments 10 , 100 may be fabricated from any suitable heat resistant material, and in a preferred embodiment, are fabricated from glass-filled nylon.
- the highest preferred operating temperature of such attachments connected to a hot air styling device or hairdryer is approximately 130 degrees centigrade.
- the complete attachments are secured together at multiple points within each attachment using one or more of glue, screws, ultrasonic welding and push-fit fixings.
- a tooth may comprise one or more apertures, curved edges, or a non-uniform blade width. Further, the series of teeth may comprise more than one tooth design.
- attachments described herein may be used without airflow and a user would benefit significantly from the flexing bar and consequently mobile teeth.
Abstract
An attachment for a hair styling apparatus, wherein the attachment includes an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an elongate slot-shaped air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, a series of triangular comb teeth mounted orthogonally across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end located substantially at the air outlet and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction.
Description
- This application is a national stage application under 35 USC 371 of International Application No. PCT/GB2019/051635, filed Jun. 13, 2019, which claims the priority of GB Application Nos. 1812550.0, 1812551.8, and 1812552.6, all filed Aug. 1, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to an attachment for a handheld appliance, in particular a hair care appliance such as a hot air styling device or hair dryer.
- In a conventional hot air styling device or hair dryer, the form and velocity of the emitted airflow may be modified by a removable nozzle or attachment. Depending on the style desired, the airflow may or may not be heated. A concentrator is a known attachment which focuses and flattens the emitted airflow, allowing the airflow to be directed to a specific area of the user's hair. Certain hair types, such as textured hair, benefit from arranging the user's hair with a comb or pic during the drying process, in order to avoid tangling of hair tresses. It is desirable to provide an attachment suitable for improving the ease and speed with which textured hair may be dried or styled.
- In a first aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an elongate slot-shaped air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, a bar mounted within the duct and along the length of the air outlet and a series of comb teeth mounted on the bar.
- The attachment may be especially beneficial for users with textured hair and the attachment may also be referred to as a pic or textured hair comb.
- Preferably, the bar is adapted to flex torsionally. Further, the bar is preferably adapted to flex in a plane orthogonal to the length of the air outlet. It is preferred that each tooth in the series of comb teeth has a first end positioned within the duct and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction, and the bar is adapted to enable each tooth to describe a spherical sector about an axis of the first end of the tooth.
- Advantageously, the second end of each tooth may move, in use, to describe a circle of approximately 5 mm radius, and the second end of each tooth gently conforms to the shape of the user's head, and resiliently returns to an aligned arrangement when not in use.
- In a preferred embodiment, the bar comprises a securing means at each end for mounting the bar within the duct. Preferably, the securing means provides a fixed join or a pivoted join. It is preferred that the bar is formed of a flexible material, such as a nylon material.
- In a preferred embodiment, the bar and the series of comb teeth are formed as a single entity.
- In a second aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an elongate slot-shaped air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, a series of comb teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end located substantially at the air outlet and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction, wherein at least one tooth comprises a planar, triangular form, oriented substantially orthogonally to the length of the air outlet.
- Advantageously, the attachment functions as a drying and detangling tool and the emitted airflow experienced by the user is generally uniform in temperature and velocity. The attachment improves the ease and speed with which textured hair may be dried or styled.
- Preferably, the first end of the at least one tooth has a semi-circular profile. It is also preferred that the second end of the at least one tooth forms an apex. The apex may comprise a rod form and may further comprise a spherical form at a terminal end of the tooth. Preferably, each tooth has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm. In a preferred embodiment, each tooth in the series of comb teeth is regularly spaced. Further, it is preferred that each tooth in the series of comb teeth is spaced from adjacent teeth by a distance in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm.
- The first end of the outermost teeth in the series of comb teeth may be angled towards a longitudinal axis of the attachment. Further, the second end of the outermost teeth in the series of comb teeth may be angled towards a longitudinal axis of the attachment. Preferably, the series of comb teeth is formed of a flexing material.
- Preferably, the attachment further comprises a series of vanes within the duct oriented substantially orthogonally to the length of the air outlet, and a downstream end of at least one vane of the series of vanes comprises an inverted semi-circular profile adapted to fit around the first end of an aligned tooth. It is also preferred that the first end of the aligned tooth is freely moveable within the inverted semi-circular profile of the at least one vane.
- Advantageously, each tooth within the series of teeth has a limited range of movement, thereby enabling the series of teeth to conform to the shape of the user's scalp, in use.
- In a third aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair dryer, wherein the hair dryer comprises a body having an outer wall, an inner bore and a duct therebetween, and an airflow outlet at a front face of the body; the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair dryer, an air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, and a stabilizing member for positioning within the inner bore of the hair dryer.
- Preferably, the air inlet is located between the stabilizing member and the duct of the attachment. Further, the stabilizing member is preferably generally cylindrical. It is preferred that the stabilizing member has a diameter in the range from 25 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably in the range from 32 mm to 38 mm.
- In a preferred embodiment, the stabilizing member has a first end distal to the air inlet and a second end proximal to the air inlet, and the second end has a diameter in the range from 35 mm to 37 mm. Preferably, the stabilizing member tapers from the second end to the first end. It is preferred that the stabilizing member has a friction fit with the inner bore of the hair dryer.
- The diameter of the cylindrical stabilizing member may increase gradually from the first end to the second end in order to achieve a flush fit between the stabilizing member and the inner bore of the hair dryer along the length of the stabilizing member.
- The attachment may comprise a seal disposed between the stabilizing member and the inner bore of the hair dryer, and said seal may be an elastic o-ring attached to the stabilizing member.
- Preferably, the air inlet is a slot, and further, may be an annular slot. The attachment preferably comprises a ring of magnet material adjacent to and extending around the air inlet. Furthermore, the length of the stabilizing member is preferably in the range from 10 mm to 120 mm.
- Airflow emitted from the air outlet of the hairdryer may have a temperature range up to around 130° C.
- In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an elongate slot-shaped air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, an airflow guiding entity located at least partially within the duct, said airflow guiding entity having a plurality of vanes orientated substantially orthogonally to the length of the air outlet, and a series of comb teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end located at the air outlet and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction.
- Preferably, at least one of the vanes substantially abuts a first end of a tooth. Further, it is preferred that each vane comprises a downstream terminal edge having an inverted semi-circular form.
- In a preferred embodiment, the airflow guiding entity is a bung comprising a substantially circular first end and a domed second end. It is also preferred that the vanes are connected to an outer surface of the bung and extend from the circular first end to the domed second end and protrude beyond the second end. The air inlet may comprises at least one slot, and more preferably, the air inlet comprises an annular slot located around the first end of the bung.
- In a further preferred embodiment, the air inlet is located at one end of the duct, and the air outlet extends along the length of the duct. The airflow guiding entity may be a series of vanes, each spanning the duct in proximity to the air outlet. Advantage is found in utilizing one or more vanes within the duct in order to direct the inlet airflow smoothly, through approximately 90 degrees, towards the air outlet. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the duct decreases in size from the air inlet along the length of the air outlet. Further, the attachment preferably comprises a contoured duct wall extending between the air inlet and the air outlet.
- Advantageously, turbulent airflow is minimized within the attachment and consequently the audible volume of the hot air styling device with attachment is minimized in use.
- Features described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the further aspects of the invention, and vice versa.
- Preferred features of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an attachment; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the attachment; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachment; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the attachment; -
FIG. 5 is a rear view of the attachment; -
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a hair-engaging section of the attachment; -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a bung of the attachment; -
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a sleeve of the attachment; -
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a securing member of the attachment; -
FIG. 10 is a top view of the bung and the hair-engaging section of the attachment; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of the bung and the hair-engaging section of the attachment; -
FIGS. 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d show a top view, a side view, a front view and a rear view respectively, of the hair-engaging section of the attachment; -
FIG. 13a is a schematic diagram of a horizontal cross-section through a further embodiment of the attachment, also illustrating airflow; -
FIG. 13b is a schematic diagram of a horizontal cross-section through the attachment, also illustrating airflow; -
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the attachment with a protective cap; -
FIG. 15 is a front view of the attachment with the protective cap; -
FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an example of a hair dryer to which the attachment may be connected; -
FIG. 17 is a side view of an alternative attachment; -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the alternative attachment; -
FIG. 19 is an end view of the attachment shown inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is a top view of a yet further embodiment of the alternative attachment; -
FIG. 21 is a side view of an example of a hot air styler to which the alternative attachment may be connected. -
FIGS. 1 to 5 are external views of anattachment 10. Theattachment 10 comprises anair inlet 12 for receiving airflow from an air outlet end of a hair dryer or similar apparatus. Theair inlet 12 is an annular aperture defined by anannular magnet 14 at the outer periphery and a circular end of acentral bung 16 at the inner periphery. Asleeve 18 is located downstream of theair inlet 12 and covers thebung 16. A series ofelongate teeth 20 protrude from thedownstream opening 22 of thesleeve 18. - A stabilizing
cylindrical member 24 extends about a longitudinal axis, x, of theattachment 10 at the upstream side of theair inlet 12. The distal end of thecylindrical member 24 comprises an elastic O-ring 26. -
FIG. 6 illustrates the hair-engagingsection 28 of the attachment which comprises the series ofelongate teeth 20 connected to abar 30 extending along an axis, y, transverse to the longitudinal axis of theattachment 10. Eachtooth 20 has a triangular blade form, orientated with ablade edge 32 aligned with the longitudinal axis, x, of theattachment 10. A wide,first end 34 of each tooth has a rounded profile. Thebar 30 is flexible and allows movement of the connected teeth in several orientations. Alug 36 is positioned at the first end of theoutside tooth 20 at each side of the hair-engagingsection 28, and anaperture 40 is located within eachlug 36. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the bung 16 which has a generally conical form with a series ofvanes 42 located on the outer surface of thebung 16. A first end of the bung 16 is a generallycircular opening 44 or wall and a second end is a rounded dome form. Sevenvanes 42 are illustrated and each vane within the series of vanes is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis, x, of the attachment. At the first end of the bung 16, thevanes 42 commence on both opposing sides of thecircular opening 44, extend over the tapering surface of the bung 16, and then meet at the second end of the bung. In the embodiment illustrated, the vanes terminate in a c-shapedprofile 46. - A
flange 48 is located at the first end of the bung which cooperates with thesecond end 50 of thecylindrical member 24. A pair of snap-fit arms 52 are located towards the first end of the bung on opposing sides of thecircular opening 44, on the transverse plane, y, of theattachment 10. These snap-fit arms 52 engage with anannular magnet 14 which is illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 . Theannular magnet 14 has an annular plastics casing 15 which partially surrounds an outer surface of themagnet 14. - The
sleeve 18 is an annulus having a rounded rectangular cross-section, which is adapted at a first end to accommodate thebung 16. Thefirst end 22 of thesleeve 18 also comprises anend wall 54 extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of theattachment 10 and defining ashoulder 56 of thesleeve 18. There may be a discontinuity between the side wall of thesleeve 18 and theend wall 54, forming aport 53 through which ambient air may transfer. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , a pair ofapertures 58 are located on opposing sides of the second end of thesleeve 18, on the transverse plane, y, of theattachment 10. Several locatingprotrusions sleeve 18. - The
cylindrical member 24 has fourwalls 64 located radially within the cylinder, extending from anaxial fixing member 66 to aninner surface 68 of the cylinder. As shown inFIG. 9 , aninner surface 68 of a first end of thecylindrical member 24 is adapted to engage with an outer surface of theflange 48 of thebung 16. -
FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of the bung 16 and the hair-engagingsection 28, and in particular, the alignment of thevanes 42 with theteeth 20. In the embodiment illustrated, the sevenvanes 42 of the bung 16 align with the sevencentral teeth 20 of the hair-engagingsection 28. Thefirst end 34 of at least threefurther teeth 20 at each side are inclined towards the longitudinal axis of the attachment, x. The c-shaped profile of the second end of thevanes 42 cooperates with the semi-circular first end of the sevencentral teeth 20, as shown most clearly inFIG. 11 . - The hair-engaging
member 28 comprises a plurality ofteeth 20 connected to abar 30. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12a , thebar 30 is generally rectangular in cross-section. The hair-engagingmember 28 may be molded as a single element, orindividual teeth 20 may be fixed onto abar 30. Two alternative tooth profiles are illustrated inFIG. 12b . The left-hand side profile has straight blade edges which join at acurved tip 76. In the right-hand side profile, arod 78 extends from a narrow, second end of each tooth and the terminal end of the rod comprises a ball-form 80. - With reference to
FIGS. 12a and 12b , the depth, d, of each tooth is in the range from 5 mm to 25 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 16 mm to 18 mm. The length, l, of each tooth external to the air outlet is in the range from 30 mm to 80 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 50 mm to 60 mm. The width, w, of each tooth is in the range from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm. The number of teeth in the hair-engaging member is in the range from 7 and 20, and in this embodiment is in the range from 12 to 14. The length of the flexing bar, b, is in the range from 50 mm to 80 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 60 mm to 70 mm. - During assembly of the components of the
attachment 10, thesleeve 18 is moved to surround the junction between the hair-engagingmember 28 and thebung 16. Thelugs 36 at the first end of thehair engaging member 28 align with theapertures 58 in the second end of thesleeve 18. Apin 41 is inserted through eachaperture 58 and into a receivingaperture 40 in eachlug 36, respectively. The cylindrical stabilizingsection 24 is connected to thebung 16 via theflange 48 at the first end of thebung 16. Optionally, a screw connection between the axial fixingmember 66 of the cylindrical section and an axial protrusion (not shown) within thebung 16, may be used reinforce this connection. Theannular magnet 14, which is preferably partly encased byplastic 15, is moved along thecylindrical section 24 towards the bung 16, and secured in position by the snap-fit arms 52. - With reference to
FIG. 8 , the locatingprotrusions nearest vane 42 by, for example, ultrasonic welding. Such a fused structure also functions to add rigidity to theattachment 10. - In use, the
textured hair pic 10 is attached to the airflow outlet end of ahair dryer 72. An example of a hair dryer to which the pic may be attached is illustrated inFIG. 16 . Such a hair dryer is described in WO2015/001306, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, in which heated airflow is emitted from an annular slot located at the air outlet end of thehair dryer 72. Theair outlet slot 84 extends around abore 70 of the hair dryer. Thecylindrical member 24 of theattachment 10 is inserted into thebore 70 of thehair dryer 72 in order to provide a stable arrangement between theattachment 10 andhairdryer 72. Further, theannular magnet 14 of theattachment 10 engages with a ring ofmagnetic material 86, which is adjacent to theair outlet slot 84 of thehair dryer 72. The elastic O-ring 26 provides further engagement between the outer surface of theattachment 10 and the inner surface of thebore 70 in thehair dryer 72. Even when significant force is exerted on theattachment 10 via theteeth 20, thecylindrical member 24 functions to avoid relative movement between theattachment 10 and thehairdryer 72. - Airflow emitted from the
hair dryer 72 passes through theannular air inlet 12 of the attachment and passes over the surface of the bung 16, guided by thevanes 42, and bounded by thesleeve 18. The airflow continues past the first end of the hair-engagingsection 28, and through theair outlet 22, as defined by the second end of thesleeve 18. Guided by the plurality of teeth, the airflow continues towards the second end of the hair-engagingsection 28. As a heated air flow passes through theattachment 10, the temperature of the components will rise. To avoid contact with the warmest parts of the attachment, the user may position their fingers at the short sides of thesleeve 18. Further, the sleeve may comprise a double wall with a gap between, thereby creating an insulating effect. - The user may move the
attachment 10 through their hair, and theteeth 20 may be in contact with the user's scalp. The flexingbar 30 allows theteeth 20 to move and thereby conform to the shape of the user's head. Further, eachtooth 20 is comprised of a flexing material. The user's movement of theattachment 10 through the hair may be irregular and the arrangement of the hair may be non-uniform, and thus individual teeth may be urged in different directions or rotations. The flexingbar 30 enables such movement of theteeth 20 to a limited extent. The greatest movement of theteeth 20 occurs at the terminal end of each tooth. When movement of a terminal end of a tooth is in alignment with the z-axis, as shown inFIG. 6 , said tooth can be considered to “pivot” about the flexingbar 30, although the junction of the bar and each tooth remains in a fixed relationship. Consequently, the first end of each tooth has limited rotational movement. Advantageously, the c-shapedsecond end 46 of thevanes 42 allows such rotational movement of the respective tooth without obstruction. Movement of the second end of atooth 20 in alignment with the y-axis, may cause limited movement of the first end of the tooth in the same axis. Again, such movement is not obstructed by thevanes 42. - Each of the components of the
attachment 10 is formed from a plastics material. In particular, the hair-engaging member comprises glass filled nylon or super-tough nylon. -
FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate the advantageous effect of thevanes 42 on the outer surface of thebung 16. The airflow pattern is shown as a shaded area.FIG. 13a schematically shows an attachment in which the vanes are absent. The airflow passes from the air inlet to the air outlet, generally undeflected, and negligible flow is present at the outermost sides of the hair-engaging member. In contrast,FIG. 13b schematically shows an attachment with vanes and thus the airflow is deflected by the vanes and the cross-section of the airflow at the outlet is greater than the airflow at the inlet. Specifically, thevanes 42 on the bung 16 guide the airflow from the inlet to expand across the complete width of theair outlet 22. Therefore, airflow is directed through a greater area of the user's hair, and consequently the time required to dry hair is reduced. - A
protective cap 82 can be positioned over the hair-engagingportion 28 when theattachment 10 is not in use. Theprotective cap 82, illustrated inFIG. 14 , comprises asleeve 85 having a similar transverse cross-sectional form and dimensions to thesleeve 18 of the attachment. One major side is cut away, and a first end haswalls 87 adapted to receive the first end of theteeth 20 and a second end has a pair oftransverse walls 88 adapted to receive the second end of the teeth. - When the
attachment 10 has been in use with a high temperature airflow and significant stresses inflicted on theteeth 20, it is possible that the teeth may deform as a consequence of the properties of the plastics material from which the teeth are comprised. After use, theprotective cap 82 can be slid over the hair-engagingsection 28, in the direction of the arrow inFIG. 14 , until the first end of theprotective cap 82 abuts the second end of thesleeve 18. In this way, theteeth 20 are retained in the correct position as the temperature of the attachment falls and returns to the ambient temperature. The cut-awaysection 90 of the protective cap improves the rate of thermal transfer from the teeth as the temperature of theattachment 10 falls. Additionally, theprotective cap 82 functions to protect the teeth from some impacts and possible damage when theattachment 10 is not in use. - An alternative pic attachment, for use with a hot air styling device, is shown in
FIGS. 17 to 20 . Theattachment 100 comprises anair inlet 102, defined by acollar 104, for receiving an airflow from an air outlet end of a hot air styling device. Theair inlet 102 is generally circular in shape, to enable an air-tight connection with a generally circular air outlet end of the hot air styling device. Regularly spacedprotrusions 106 on thecollar 104 enable a click-fit connection to the air outlet end of the hot air styling device. Alternative connection options will be apparent to the skilled person, such as screw-fit or push-fit arrangements. - The
air inlet 102 is in fluid communication with aduct 108. Theduct 108 has anair outlet 110 which is elongate in shape. An external surface of theattachment 100 is in the form of asleeve 112 extending partially about theduct 108. Theair outlet 110 may extend beyond the top opening of thesleeve 112. - Whilst the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 17 comprises 13 teeth in the hair-engaging section,FIG. 18 shows a further embodiment comprising 15 teeth in the hair-engaging section.FIG. 20 shows a yet further embodiment comprising 17 teeth in the hair-engaging section. -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view which shows a gradually reducing depth of theduct 108 towards a distal end of theattachment 100. Consequently, the cross-sectional area of theduct 108 decreases, or tapers, gradually towards the distal end of theattachment 100. The cross-sectional area of thesleeve 112 does not vary in size along its length towards the distal end of theattachment 100, and so the spacing between theduct 108 and thesleeve 112 gradually increases in cross-sectional area towards the distal end of the attachment, forming achamber 114. At the upstream end of theduct 108, acontoured wall 116 extends between theair inlet 102 andair outlet 110. - The embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 18 shows an attachment comprising fivevanes unbroken vane 118 is in closest proximity to the airflow inlet end of theduct 108 and has an aerofoil form. The orientation of theunbroken vane 118 is aligned closely to the natural airflow direction, and a downstream end ofvane 118 terminates normal to theair outlet 110. - The four
further vanes - With reference to
FIG. 18 , the upstream end of each vane (or minor vane) 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 is in alignment with the direction of the incident primary airflow (indicated by an arrow) entering theattachment 100 through theprimary air inlet 102. The downstream end of each vane (or major vane) 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 is in alignment with the direction of the emitted airflow exiting the attachment through theairflow outlet 110. Alternatively, each vane in thealternative attachment 100 may comprise a single, curved vane instead of a major section and a minor section. - A hair-engaging
section 128, similar to the hair-engaging section previously described and as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 12 a, is located at theair outlet 110 of theattachment 100.Lugs 130 at each end of the hair-engagingsection 128 are attached to theduct walls 132 at the short ends of theelongate air outlet 110. Apin 134 passes through an aperture in theduct walls 132 and into a receiving aperture in eachlug 130. A flexingbar 136 extends across theair outlet 110, to which a plurality ofteeth 138 are attached. Afirst end 140 of some of the plurality ofteeth 138 abut the downstream ends of thevanes teeth 138 have a semi-circular upstream end and so limited movement of the teeth is enabled, as described with respect to the hair engaging member and vanes of the attachment illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 15 . - In use, the attachment illustrated in
FIGS. 17 to 20 is attached to the airflow outlet end of a hot air hair styling device. The airflow passes through theair inlet 102 of the attachment to enter theduct 108. The airflow is guided by thevanes air outlet 110 where the airflow is emitted from theattachment 100. - At the upstream end of the
duct 108, thecontoured wall 116 functions to direct the airflow towards the air outlet with a minimum of turbulence and low velocity flow. The airflow velocity of the airflow proximal to the airflow inlet is adequate to ensure a required level of attachment of the airflow to the unbroken vane. Split vanes function to improve attachment of the airflow to the vane as the incident airflow velocity is reduced. The airflow exiting theoutlet 110 is straight, even flow with an outlet airflow velocity lower than the inlet airflow velocity. Furthermore, the outlet airflow has a relatively slow velocity decay and leaves theduct 108 uniformly at right-angles to the direction of the incident airflow into theattachment 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the velocity of the airflow exiting the duct is around 30 m/s-35 m/s. The outlet airflow is guided by the teeth, thereby continuing the emitted straight, even flow towards the user's hair. In use, the movement of theteeth 138 in this alternative attachment is similar to the movement of the teeth in the hairdryer attachment, as described previously. - The cross-sectional area of the
duct 108 tapers gradually towards the distal end of theattachment 100. The function of this reduction in cross-sectional area is to ensure a constant pressure of airflow exiting the attachment along the entire length of the air outlet and to prevent turbulent flow. Specifically, the reduction in cross-sectional area is proportional to falling mass flow rate of the airflow within the duct. The mass flow falls as airflow exits the duct via the air outlet from the upstream end of the attachment to the downstream end of the attachment. Consequently, the reduction in cross-sectional area of theduct 108 results in a constant outlet airflow velocity along the length of the air outlet. It is also observed that attachment of airflow tovanes - The inlet airflow may be heated before entering the
attachment 100 and consequently the duct may become hot during use. Thesleeve 112 functions as a cool wall to minimize the temperature of the outermost surface of the attachment, as the air-filledchamber 114 insulates the sleeve from the duct. - A protective cap, as illustrated in
FIG. 14 , can also be used with the further embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 17 to 20 . - With reference to the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 19 , thesecond end 140 of eachtooth 138 may omit the rod and ball, having only an apex of the triangular blade form. Advantageously, a tooth having a plain apex at thesecond end 140 is less prone to breakage or deformity, in use. The flexingbar 136 may have any suitable form, such as a circular or oval cross-section. - In a further embodiment of the
alternative attachment 100, as shown inFIG. 20 , thesleeve 112 may be inclined towards the duct at the airflow outlet. This functions to enable outlet airflow (which may be referred to as “primary airflow”) to entrain air present in thechamber 114, thereby moving air through the chamber and drawing ambient air in through theport 142 between thesleeve 112 and theduct 108. Ambient air moving through the chamber (which may be referred to as “secondary airflow”) enhances the efficacy of the cool wall effect of thesleeve 112. However, the secondary airflow is cooler than the heated primary airflow and therefore relative proportions of the secondary and primary airflow should be controlled in order to optimise the airflow temperature experienced by the user. Such control is realized by an airflow outlet geometry, which is comprised of the dimensions and relative location of the primary airflow outlet and the secondary airflow outlet. - In a preferred embodiment, the depth, d, (shown in
FIG. 18 ) of the further attachment is in the range from 30 mm to 70 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 40 mm to 60 mm. The height, c, of the attachment from the top of the sleeve to the air inlet is in the range from 80 mm to 120 mm, and in this embodiment is in the range from 90 mm to 110 mm. -
FIG. 21 shows an example of a hotair styling device 144 to which thefurther attachment 100 may be connected. The hotair styling device 144 comprises a generallytubular handle 146 having anair inlet 148 and anair outlet 150 at opposing ends. At theair inlet 148, an array ofapertures 152 extend around and partially along thehandle 146. A fan unit (not shown) is housed within the handle and comprises a fan and a motor. In use, the motor drives the fan and air is drawn in through the air inlet, along an air flow path which extends through the length of the handle. The air is optionally heated by a heater (not shown) before exiting the hotair styling device 144 at theair outlet 150. - The
attachments - The complete attachments are secured together at multiple points within each attachment using one or more of glue, screws, ultrasonic welding and push-fit fixings.
- In an alternative embodiment, a tooth may comprise one or more apertures, curved edges, or a non-uniform blade width. Further, the series of teeth may comprise more than one tooth design.
- In an alternative embodiment, it may be desirable to produce a reduced exit airflow velocity from an attachment whilst utilizing a similar hot air styling device or hairdryer to provide the input airflow. This may be achieved by increasing the overall dimensions of the attachments.
- It will also be apparent to the skilled person that utility is found in the attachments alone. Specifically, the attachments described herein may be used without airflow and a user would benefit significantly from the flexing bar and consequently mobile teeth.
- The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.
Claims (13)
1. An attachment for a hair styling apparatus, the attachment comprising:
an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus;
an elongate slot-shaped air outlet;
a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet;
a series of comb teeth mounted across the air outlet, each tooth having a first end located at the air outlet and a second end disposed beyond the air outlet in a downstream direction; wherein at least one tooth comprises a planar, triangular form, oriented orthogonally to the length of the air outlet.
2. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the at least one tooth has a semi-circular profile.
3. The attachment of claim 2 , wherein the second end of the at least one tooth forms an apex.
4. The attachment of claim 3 , wherein the apex comprises a rod form.
5. The attachment of claim 4 , wherein the apex further comprises a spherical form at a terminal end of the tooth.
6. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein each tooth has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm.
7. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein each tooth in the series of comb teeth is regularly spaced.
8. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein each tooth in the series of comb teeth is spaced from adjacent teeth by a distance in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm.
9. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the outermost teeth in the series of comb teeth are angled towards a longitudinal axis of the attachment.
10. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the outermost teeth in the series of comb teeth are angled towards a longitudinal axis of the attachment.
11. The attachment of claim 1 , wherein the series of comb teeth is formed of a flexing material.
12. The attachment of claim 1 , further comprising a series of vanes within the duct oriented substantially orthogonally to the length of the air outlet, and a downstream end of at least one vane of the series of vanes comprises an inverted semi-circular profile adapted to fit around the first end of an aligned tooth.
13. The attachment of claim 12 , wherein the first end of the aligned tooth is freely moveable within the inverted semi-circular profile of the at least one vane.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1812550.0A GB2576017B (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2018-08-01 | Attachment for a handheld appliance |
GB1812550.0 | 2018-08-01 | ||
GB1812552.6 | 2018-08-01 | ||
GBGB1812551.8A GB201812551D0 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2018-08-01 | Attachment for a handheld appliance |
GB1812551.8 | 2018-08-01 | ||
GBGB1812552.6A GB201812552D0 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2018-08-01 | Attachment for a handheld appliance |
PCT/GB2019/051635 WO2020025920A1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2019-06-13 | Attachment for a handheld appliance |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20210289909A1 true US20210289909A1 (en) | 2021-09-23 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/264,771 Abandoned US20210289909A1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2019-06-13 | Attachment for a handheld appliance |
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US (1) | US20210289909A1 (en) |
CN (2) | CN211984221U (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020025920A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US20220273085A1 (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2022-09-01 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Air-moving appliance including an attachment |
USD1000703S1 (en) * | 2021-06-29 | 2023-10-03 | Dyson Technology Limited | Accessory for a hairdryer |
USD1000704S1 (en) * | 2021-06-29 | 2023-10-03 | Dyson Technology Limited | Accessory for a hairdryer |
USD1001371S1 (en) * | 2021-06-29 | 2023-10-10 | Dyson Technology Limited | Accessory for a hairdryer |
EP4272599A1 (en) * | 2022-05-02 | 2023-11-08 | Babyliss Faco SRL | Detangling-straightening comb for hairdryer or blow-dryer brush |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20210289909A1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2021-09-23 | Dyson Technology Limited | Attachment for a handheld appliance |
GB2603752B (en) * | 2021-01-29 | 2024-04-10 | Dyson Technology Ltd | A haircare appliance |
GB2606395B (en) * | 2021-05-07 | 2024-02-14 | Dyson Technology Ltd | An attachment for a haircare appliance |
US11653737B1 (en) | 2021-11-12 | 2023-05-23 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair care appliance |
USD1021238S1 (en) | 2022-06-02 | 2024-04-02 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair care appliance |
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- 2019-06-13 WO PCT/GB2019/051635 patent/WO2020025920A1/en active Application Filing
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN211984221U (en) | 2020-11-24 |
WO2020025920A1 (en) | 2020-02-06 |
CN110786618A (en) | 2020-02-14 |
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