JP6511080B2 - Hand-held equipment accessories - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the attachment of hand-held devices, in particular hair care devices such as warm-air styling devices.

  In a conventional hot-air styling device, air is drawn into the inlet by the fan unit and directed to the hair by the head or accessories. The air may or may not be heated, depending on the desired hairstyle. In many cases, the head portion or accessory includes bristles that hold and hold the hair for hair setting. Air is generally blown at a right angle from the surface of the attachment. When curling the hair, it may be difficult to unroll the hair from the trichomes, and the hair may be entangled.

  It is also known to use a hair iron to curl the hair after the heated barrel has reached a high temperature and the hair is wound on the barrel and then fixed by a barrel clip for a period of time. Repeated use of such a hair iron at high temperatures may damage the hair.

  In a first aspect of the present invention, a hair care device comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a fluid flow passage extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; and directing fluid in the fluid flow passage to the fluid outlet. Including a body having one vane, the body including at least two extension plates, the fluid outlet including a slot defined by the overlap between the at least two extension plates, and at least one vane being at least two Provided is a hair care device located within the overlap between the extension plates.

  It is advantageous to provide vanes on the inner surface of each plate that function to accurately direct the flow as it is discharged from the attachment. Specifically, the uniform air flow out of the attachment allows the hair bundles to adhere uniformly over the length of the barrel.

  The body is preferably elongated and extends along an axis. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated body has a first end and a second end, and the fluid inlet is at the first end. Preferably, the fluid outlet extends along an axis between the first end and the second end.

  In a preferred embodiment, at least one vane is an airfoil. This shape is advantageous because it reduces turbulence.

  Preferably, at least one vane directs fluid flowing in the fluid flow path from a first direction to a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first direction is parallel to the axis of the body. The second direction is preferably 85 ° to 95 ° from the axis.

  In a preferred embodiment, the at least one vane comprises a plurality of vanes extending from a first end of the body towards a second end of the body.

  Preferably, the plurality of vanes are randomly spaced along the body. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of vanes gradually approach one another towards the second end.

  Preferably the plurality of vanes are angled with respect to the axis of the body. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of at least a portion of the plurality of vanes is different from the adjacent vanes. Preferably, the angle of the plurality of vanes with respect to the axis increases towards the second end.

  It is advantageous to provide vanes of different angles within the overlap to optimize air flow deposition, the angle of the vanes depending on the position of the vanes along the length of the attachment.

  In a preferred embodiment, the size of the plurality of vanes varies between the first end and the second end. Preferably the plurality of vanes become progressively smaller towards the second end of the body.

  In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of vanes has the same shape.

  The slot is preferably curved relative to the axis of the body. The combination of the twisted spiral of each plate forming the spiral fluid outlet slot and the internal vanes which direct the flow out of the attachment is advantageous as it enhances the adhesion of the air flow to the surface of the attachment. .

  In a preferred embodiment, the at least one vane is substantially the same length as the overlap between the at least two extension plates.

  Preferably, one of the at least one vane has a flow directing function in addition to the structural function.

  In a preferred embodiment, each extension plate is formed of a strut and a plate.

  The slots are preferably formed of struts and plates from adjacent extension plates.

  According to a second aspect, the invention is an accessory for a hair care device, comprising: a first end and a second end; a fluid inlet at the first end; a fluid outlet; And an fluid body extending between the fluid outlet and the fluid outlet, wherein a cold tip is provided adjacent the second end of the elongated body, the second end of the body having a cold tip elongated Provide accessories spaced from

  The gap between the bottom surface of the cold tip and the adjacent end of the elongated body advantageously has the advantage of minimizing heat transfer to the cold tip and allowing manufacturing tolerances between the assembled subsections.

  Preferably, an air gap is provided between the cold tip and the second end of the elongated body.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cold tip includes an annular flange that extends around the second end of the elongated body. Preferably the elongate body has an outer wall. In a preferred embodiment, the annular flange is spaced from the outer wall.

  In a preferred embodiment, the cold tip includes a handle extending from the flange. The handle is preferably cylindrical. In a preferred embodiment, the handle is hollow. A hollow handle on the cold tip is advantageous as the internal air provides additional insulation.

  The outer wall is preferably formed by at least two plates extending from the first end to the second end.

  In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises a slot extending between at least two plates. The slot is preferably curved. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises a plurality of slots.

  According to a third aspect, the invention is an accessory of a hair care device, comprising a first subassembly and a second subassembly, the first subassembly comprising a second subassembly. Provide an accessory that includes a cage with attached components.

  The first subassembly is preferably formed of a plurality of spaced apart struts.

  In a preferred embodiment, the second subassembly comprises a plurality of plates.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of spaced struts includes a longitudinal flange extending from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of plates includes a cooperating longitudinal flange.

  It is preferred to provide an equal number of plates and struts.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first subassembly includes at least one structural vane extending between a pair of adjacent struts.

  The second subassembly preferably includes a plurality of plates, each of the plurality of plates including a recess for receiving at least one structural vane.

  In a preferred embodiment, the accessory includes an elongated body formed of a plurality of spaced struts and a plurality of plates. Preferably the elongate body comprises a first end and a second end.

  In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of plates and the plurality of spaced struts includes one of a pair of cooperating protrusions and recesses at a first end of the elongated body. Each of the plurality of plates and the plurality of spaced struts preferably includes the other of a pair of cooperating protrusions and recesses at the second end of the elongated body.

  In a preferred embodiment, after attaching the plurality of plates to the first subassembly, the plurality of plates are welded to the first subassembly.

  Each of the plurality of spaced apart struts includes a longitudinal flange extending from the first end to the second end, and each of the plurality of plates includes cooperating longitudinal flanges, the flanges It is preferable to be welded.

  In a preferred embodiment, there is a slot at the distal end from each of the plurality of spaced struts and each of the plurality of plates, from the longitudinal flange and the cooperating longitudinal flanges, which is the fluid from the attachment Form part of the outlet.

  Preferably, a plurality of vanes are provided in the slot. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of vanes serve to maintain the slot clearance between the struts and the plate. The plurality of vanes preferably serve to redirect the fluid flowing out of the slot.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the elongated body is provided with a connection ring connecting the accessory to the hair care device.

  In a fourth aspect, the invention is an accessory for a hair care device comprising: first and second ends; a fluid inlet at the first end; a fluid outlet; a fluid inlet and a fluid An elongated body having a fluid flow passage extending there between and an outlet, wherein the first end is provided with a collar, the collar providing an attachment extending around the elongated body.

  At the first end of the accessory, a square shelf or collar that functions to avoid entrainment of air near the warm-air styling device and to avoid falling hair wrapped around the warm-air styling device There is an advantage to providing.

  The fluid outlet preferably extends from near the collar of the elongated body towards the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the collar extends out of the elongated body. The elongate body preferably extends along an axis, and the collar is preferably substantially orthogonal to the axis of the elongate body. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated body extends radially from the axis and the collar extends further from the axis than the elongated body. Preferably, the collar extends radially around the elongated body.

  In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises at least one slot extending along the elongate body.

  The outer wall is preferably formed by at least two extension plates, and at least one slot extends between the at least two extension plates.

  In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body extends along an axis and at least one slot is curved relative to the axis. Preferably, at least one slot is helical.

  According to a fifth aspect, the invention is an accessory for a hair care device, comprising: a first end and a second end; a fluid inlet at the first end; a fluid outlet; And an fluid body extending between the fluid outlet and the fluid outlet, wherein the diameter of the first end is greater than the diameter of the second end, and the fluid outlet is second from the first end. Provide an attachment extending to the end of the

  The elongated body preferably converges from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the elongated body gradually decreases from the first end. The reduction in diameter preferably extends along a portion of the elongate body. In a preferred embodiment, there is a gradual transition from the diameter of the first end to the diameter of the second end.

  The elongate body preferably includes an extension plate extending from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the extension plate has a substantially uniform thickness along the body.

  Preferably, any change in diameter along the length of the elongate body is both an internal change and an external change.

  In a preferred embodiment, the elongated body extends towards the first end. The flared shape of the first end of the accessory is advantageous to support the initial attachment of the end of the hair bundle by reducing turbulence. In addition, the hair is wound from the second end of the attachment towards the air inlet end.

  The elongated body preferably extends along an axis and has a substantially constant diameter along the axis from the second end to the first end.

  In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises at least one slot extending along the elongate body. The elongate body extends along an axis, and preferably at least one slot is curved relative to the axis. In a preferred embodiment, at least one slot is helical.

  Advantageously, the accessory of the present invention can be provided in different sizes so that setting of curls of multiple sizes is possible. Furthermore, either a clockwise spiral air flow outlet slot or a counterclockwise spiral air flow outlet slot can be used. The overlapping direction of the slots determines the direction of the curl.

  According to a sixth aspect, the present invention is an accessory of a hair care device, comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a fluid flow passage extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; Including a first vane and a second vane that directs the fluid outlet, the body including at least two extension plates, the fluid outlet defining a slot defined by the overlap between the at least two extension plates Including the first and second vanes being curved and located within the overlap between the at least two extension plates, and the first and second vanes providing an oppositely curved attachment .

  The fluid inlet has a first cross-sectional area, the body includes an outer wall, the outer wall of the body includes a second cross-sectional area, and the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area preferable.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid inlet has a diameter d _f , the accessory has a diameter d ₂ , and d ₂ is greater than d _f .

  The body is preferably elongated and extends along an axis. In a preferred embodiment, the body has a first end and a second end, and a fluid inlet is present at the first end.

  The first vane is preferably adjacent to the fluid inlet. In a preferred embodiment, the first vane has a convex surface, the convex surface facing the fluid inlet.

  The second vane preferably has a concave surface, the concave surface facing the fluid inlet.

  In a preferred embodiment, the first and second vanes are airfoils.

  The fluid outlet preferably extends along an axis between the first end and the second end.

  In a preferred embodiment, the second vane includes a plurality of vanes spaced along the extension plate. Preferably, the plurality of vanes are randomly spaced along the extension plate. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of vanes are angled with respect to the axis of the body. Preferably, the angle of at least some of the plurality of vanes is different from the adjacent vanes. In a preferred embodiment, the angles of the plurality of vanes with respect to the axis increase towards the second end. The size of the plurality of vanes preferably varies along the extension plate. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of vanes has the same shape. Preferably, the at least one vane is substantially the same length as the overlap between the at least two extension plates.

  In a preferred embodiment, the slot is curved relative to the axis of the body.

  Each extension plate is preferably formed of a strut and a plate.

  In a preferred embodiment, the slots are formed by struts and plates from adjacent extension plates.

  The accessory preferably further comprises at least one structural vane. In a preferred embodiment, at least one structural vane connects the struts with the adjacent struts. Preferably, at least one structural vane connects the struts and the plate.

  It is advantageous for the projections at the front edge of the inner surface of the plate to enhance the adhesion of the air flow to the outer surface of the accessory, in particular of the larger diameter (e.g. 40 mm) accessory.

  According to another aspect, the present invention is a hair care device accessory comprising a body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the fluid outlet Provides an accessory including a slot defined by the overlap between the radially inner extension plate and the radially outer extension plate.

  Preferably, the radially inner extension plate comprises a radially inner surface which curves radially inwardly towards the overlap.

  Preferably, the radially inner extension plate comprises a strut and a plate.

  In a preferred embodiment, the radially inner surface preferably includes reinforcing ribs extending radially inward of the struts. This stiffening rib is rounded, so it is preferable to smoothly transfer the fluid flowing in the attachment. Reinforcing ribs extend at least partially along the radially inner surface of the struts from the inlet end of the overlap.

  Preferably, the struts include projections disposed adjacent to the inlet end of the radially inner plate. The protrusions are the ridges or localized thickenings of the struts. The protrusions are preferably substantially hemispherical. The protrusions preferably extend from the inlet end of the strut to the outlet end of the strut. Alternatively, the protrusions extend partially along the struts.

  In a preferred embodiment, reinforcing ribs, protrusions or ridges extend along substantially the entire length of the struts.

  Preferably, the stiffening ribs, protrusions or ridges include chamfers or ramps adjacent to the fluid inlet. Thereby, the fluid which flowed in in an accessory transfers smoothly. The accessory preferably comprises a connection ring for connecting to the device. In a preferred embodiment, the connection ring defines a fluid inlet into the accessory. The stiffening ribs, protrusions or ridges are preferably located adjacent to the connection ring and in the same plane as the connection ring. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing ribs, protrusions or ridges extend radially inward from the connection ring towards the downstream end of the attachment to the smallest radius. Preferably, the reinforcing ribs, protrusions or ridges maintain a substantially constant radius from the longitudinal axis X-X of the attachment when the minimum radius is reached.

  The hair care device is preferably a warm air hair setting device.

  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred features of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded view of an accessory. FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a first subassembly. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second subassembly. It is a side view of accessories. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a top end view of the accessory. It is a lower end view of an accessory. It is a front view of a single plate. It is a side view of a single plate. It is a perspective view of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Figure 12 is an exploded view of the accessory of Figure 11; Figure 12 is a side view of the accessory of Figure 11; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 13; It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the accessory of FIG. FIG. 12 is a side view of a single plate of the accessory of FIG. 11; FIG. 7 is a side view of an example of a hot air styling device to which accessories may be connected.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of an accessory 10 of the present invention. The accessory 10 includes a fluid inlet 20 for receiving an air flow from the air outlet end of a warm air styling device or similar device. The fluid inlet 20 is generally circular and allows for an air tight connection with the generally circular outlet end of the warm air styling device.

  The accessory 10 is essentially cylindrical and preferably extends longitudinally from the fluid inlet 20 to the distal end 30 and follows the line drawn by the warm air setting device. The accessory has an elongated body 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. A plurality of elongated plates 40 extend from the first end 14 to the second end 16 and elongated slots 50 disposed between adjacent plates 40 constitute the elongated fluid outlet of the accessory. The distal end 30 of the accessory 10 includes a cold tip 32.

In this embodiment, the accessory 10 has a constant diameter d ₁ smaller than the diameter d _f of the fluid inlet 20, which extends at least partially along the elongate body 12.

  2a, 2b and 2c are an exploded view and an isometric view depicting some internal features of a preferred embodiment of the accessory 10, wherein the parts shown can also be preferred assembled subsections. FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show that the first subassembly 100 is formed by a central cylindrical cage structure 60 shown with six elongated support struts 62. Six elongated support struts 62 extend between the collar 64 at the fluid inlet 20 of the central cylindrical cage structure 60 and the end wall 66 at the second end 24 of the central cylindrical cage structure 60. Collar 64 extends from connection ring 68. The connection ring 68 functions to join the accessory 10 to a warm air styling device or similar device. The end wall 66 includes a projecting ring 26 for attaching the cold tip 32 via lugs 28 provided radially around the cold tip 32. The fluid outlet is formed by a slot 50 extending from the abutment of the collar 64 of the central cylindrical cage structure 60 to the end wall 66 of the second end 24.

  A second subassembly 110 is formed by six separate plates 40, as shown in FIG. 2c. During manufacture of the accessory, the second subassembly 110 is attached to the first subassembly 100. In the preferred embodiment, each plate 40 is attached to the struts 62 to form an extension plate 54 (see FIG. 5) to extend between the collar 64 and the second end 24 of the central cylindrical cage structure 60. An elongated body 12 is formed. The elongate body 12 has a first end 14 adjacent the collar 64 of the central cylindrical cage structure 60 and a second end 16 adjacent the end wall 66. The elongated body 12 extends a length similar to the struts 62, the plate 40 and the elongated slot 50. The collar 64 and the connection ring 68 form part of the central cylindrical cage structure 60 but do not form the elongated body 12.

  The collar 64 is flat and annular and extends from the elongated body and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the connection ring 68, the elongated body 12 and the cylindrical cage 60. The collar 64 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis XX of the accessory which is also the longitudinal axis of the elongated body 12.

  To attach the first subassembly to the second subassembly, each plate 40 is attached to a strut 62. Struts 62 have a plurality of features that function to receive a connection located on the inner surface of each plate 50. Specifically, three structural vanes 70 equally spaced from the leading edge 62a of each strut 62 join on the outer surface 72 of the closest strut. The inner surface 42 of each plate 40 has three indentations 44 arranged to receive the structural vanes 70. In a further embodiment, both ends of the outer surface 72 of each strut include recesses 74 adapted to receive the protrusions 46 located at both ends of the inner surface 42 of each plate 40. Each strut 62 also includes a longitudinal flange 76 extending from the leading edge 62a. Each plate 40 has a cooperating longitudinal flange 48. In this embodiment, the cooperating longitudinal flanges 48 are formed as an extension of the three recesses 44 forming the localized thinning of the plate 40. The longitudinal flanges 48 of the struts 62 are in effect also the thin sections of the struts 62. Attaching the plate 40 to the strut 62 forms an extension plate 54 (see FIG. 5) and the longitudinal flange 76 cooperates with the cooperating longitudinal flange 48 to position the plate 40 relative to the strut 62. In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 72 of the struts 62 continues beyond the outer surface 52 of the plate 40 when the plate 40 is attached to the struts 62.

  In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the aids to attach and position the plate 50 described above, additional fixation means such as ultrasonic welding or ultrasonic bonding may be utilized. These parts are preferably welded along the length of the flange and the three recesses 44. This causes the leading edge 62 a of each strut 62 to be air tight and allows air to flow out of the elongated slot 50.

  A plurality of vanes 100 are disposed on the inner surface 42 of each plate 40, as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c. Specifically, the vanes 100 are disposed along the leading edge 42 a of each plate 40 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X of the attachment. In the preferred embodiment, the vanes 100 are spaced along the length of the plate 40 and include a gap at the location where the positioning recess 44 is present. The length, depth of the vanes 100 and the angle from perpendicular to the leading edge 42 a of the plate 40 gradually decrease from the first end 14 to the second end 16.

  The structural vanes 70 further have the function of guiding the flow. Thus, the structural vanes have a structural function and a function to redirect the flow. The structural vanes 70 have similar angles and shapes as the vanes 100 adjacent to each structural vane 70.

  The vanes 100 and structural vanes 70 extend the length of the elongated body 12 from the fluid inlet 20 to the second end 16 so as to equalize the volume and direction of air flow from the slots 50 along the length of the slots 50. Optimized for decreasing air pressure and air volume along the length.

  FIG. 3 is a side view of the accessory. The shape of the front edge of each plate is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the attachment. Specifically, each plate twists around the longitudinal axis XX of the attachment to form a helical arrangement. The slot is preferably curved by an angle of 45 ° from the longitudinal axis XX of the attachment. In this example, the slot 50 is curved in a counterclockwise direction from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The slots 50 are formed between adjacent overlapping extension plates 54a, 54b, but the plates 40 also do not extend along the longitudinal axis of the attachment to form a curved slot, but an angle of 45 ° It is preferable to curve only.

  In FIG. 3, the vanes 100 located on the inner surface of one particular plate 50 are visible through the slot between two adjacent plates. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the diameter of the elongate body 12 is greater at the first end 14 than at the second end 16. In particular, the plate configuration extends towards the first end 14 of the elongate body 12.

  The side view of the accessory shown in this FIG. 3 shows the regularly arranged protrusions 76 on the connection ring 68 which allow a clickable connection to the fluid outlet end of the warm air styling device or similar device. Is shown. Other attachment options such as threaded or push-in configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the elongated body 12 along line A-A. Although this cross-sectional view shows six extension plates 54, each including one plate 40 and one strut 62, this view does not extend through structural vanes 70 or vanes 100. The width of the fluid outlet passage 58 between the extension plate 54 and the extension plate 54a following it is not constant. Specifically, each extension plate 54 has an arcuate cross-section with a smaller radius than the radius of the entire elongated body 12. As a result, the dimensions of each fluid outlet passage 58 are minimized at the associated outlet slot 50. Although the fluid outlet path 58 narrows towards each slot 50, the thickness of the extension plate 54 does not change substantially. Thus, the thickness of longitudinal flange 76 and cooperating longitudinal flange 48 are both about half the thickness of plate 40 and struts 62.

  The air flow discharged from each slot 50 is tangent to the outer surface 54b of the extension plate 54, and together with the air flow discharged from the other slots, forms a continuous fluid passage 78 around the periphery of the accessory. Do. The air flow discharged from the slot 50 is drawn to the curved surface of the attachment by the Coanda effect. As a result, the hair exposed to the accessory 10 winds around the cylindrical surface of the accessory 10 under the influence of the air flow. Specifically, the tip of the hair bundle exposed to the accessory 10 is drawn to the outer surface of the accessory 10, and then the hair bundle wraps around the accessory 10. As the air is blown over the length of the hair, the wet hair dries quickly. This winding process is advantageously carried out without the use of trichomes, so that when the hair is dry or trimmed, it can not slip off the attachment and does not get entangled.

  The air flow exiting the slot is preferably substantially perpendicular to the slot 50 but angled towards the fluid inlet 20 by about 2.5 ° to 4.5 °. In this example, 3.5 ° was used. This air flow angle is provided by the combination of curved slots 50, vanes 100 and structural vanes 70. This causes the hair to spiral down towards the fluid inlet 20 and allow the curled hair to leave the accessory 10 naturally when the user removes the accessory 10 from the hair bundle or switches the device off. it can.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the elongate body 12 taken along line B-B of FIG. This cross-sectional view is through the vanes 100 on each extension plate 54. As the position of each extension plate 54 is rotated relative to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the nature of the fluid outlet slot is longitudinally helical. At the point where the vanes 100 on the extension plate 54 contact the adjacent extension plate 54a, the air flow is restricted or stopped.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the longitudinal axis of the accessory 10, which reveals the inner surface of the plurality of struts 62. FIG. The interior of the cold tip 32 is hollow to provide a relatively cool location for the user to touch or grip the accessory. The gap between the bottom of the cold tip 32 and the second end 16 of the elongated body 12 also has the advantage of minimizing heat transfer to the cold tip 32 and allowing manufacturing tolerances between parts is there.

  The cold tip 32 includes a handle 34 and an annular flange 36. The handle 34 is hollow and in this embodiment is air filled to insulate the handle 34 from the hot fluid flowing within the attachment 10. The annular flange 36 has an annular recess 38 between the second end 16 and the cold tip 32 of the elongate body 12 that provides a circumferentially extending void 80 around the annular flange 36. The elongated body 12 has an outer wall 82 formed by the plate 50 and the annular flange 36 can be considered as being spaced from the outer wall 82. The air gap 80 is sized sufficiently to be continuous around the annular flange 36 even when manufacturing tolerances are considered.

  In FIGS. 3 and 6 the expanded shape of the elongate body 12 at the first end of the attachment is apparent. Such a spread is not present in all embodiments of the present invention. The presence or absence of the spread is determined by the relative diameter of the attachment and the warm air setting device or similar device to which the attachment is attached. If the diameter of the accessory is smaller than the diameter of the warm air setting device or similar device, there is a spread to minimize turbulence and allow a change in diameter from the device to the accessory. Specifically, such a spread is included in embodiments where the diameter of the elongated body is 30 mm, but not included in embodiments where the diameter of the elongated body is 40 mm. This spreading serves to adhere the end of the hair first to the first end of the attachment by functioning to reduce turbulence.

  The elongated body 12 converges from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The diameter of the elongated body 12 decreases from the first end 14 to the point Y and is constant from the point Y to the second end 16. The purpose of focusing is to smoothly transition the elongate body 12 from the diameter at the fluid inlet 20 to the diameter at the second end 16. Any turbulence in the air flowing into the fitting 10 is minimized, which also reduces the pressure drop in the fitting 10. This has the advantage of encouraging the bundled hair tips to adhere to the outer surface of the accessory.

  The top view of the exemplary accessory of FIG. 7 shows that the diameter of the collar 64 near the fluid inlet of the accessory is larger than the cold tip 32 at the distal end 30. The bottom view of the exemplary attachment of FIG. 8 shows the overlapping formation of each extension plate 54.

  The collar 64 has a plurality of functions. The collar 64 provides a physical barrier for the hair when the hair is wrapped around the accessory 10 so that the hair wraps around the collar 64 and around the accessory 10 or the device originally connected to the accessory 10 Help keep the hair on the accessory 10 by preventing it from wrapping around. Another function is to protect the air flow around the attachment 10. A continuous fluid passage 78 around the attachment 10 will entrain or draw in air from the outside of the slot 50. The entrained air is not necessarily tangent to the outer surface 54b of the extension plate 54, and thus may adversely affect the hair winding process. The collar 64 has a larger diameter than the first end 14 of the elongated body 12 and thus acts as a barrier to air entrained towards the accessory 10 across the surface of the device.

  FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the inner surface 42 of a single plate 40 having twelve vanes 100 located closest to the leading edge 42a. The vanes 100 are spaced apart in two main series of five vanes. On the trailing edge 42b of the plate 40 is visible a recess 44 adapted to receive structural vanes 70 located in the gap between the series of vanes. The vanes 100 are positioned generally perpendicular to the leading edge 42 a of the plate 40. In the preferred embodiment, the vanes 100 located towards the upstream end of the attachment are positioned at an acute angle to the leading edge 42 a of the plate 40. The preferred length of the vane 100 is such as to substantially fill the slot 50 formed by the overlap 84 provided between one extension plate 54 and an adjacent extension plate 54a.

  The shape of each vane 100 is an airfoil and is designed to direct flow from the slot 50 from a first direction to a second direction. The air enters the fluid inlet parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the attachment 10, which is the first direction. The air flowing in the accessory 10 naturally turns from this axis towards the slot 50, but preferably the fluid inlet because the hair wraps well and curls out of the accessory 10 as described above. A second flow direction slightly angled towards 20 results from the combined action of the shape of the vane 100 on the air flow and the curvature of the slot 50.

  The vanes 100 may also be regularly spaced along the length of the plate 50, but this spacing may be irregular to achieve uniform flow from the slots 50 along the elongated body 12 Preferably, the vanes 100 are further separated at the first end 14 of the body 12 and closer at the second end 16.

  Also, since the volume and pressure of air flowing within the accessory 10 varies from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the elongated body 12, the vane 100 can be configured to receive the first end of the elongated body 12. It gradually decreases from 14 to the second end 16. The angle of the vane 100 relative to the longitudinal axis XX also varies from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the elongated body 12. This angle preferably increases relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the accessory 10 from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the elongate body 12.

  FIG. 10 is a side view of plate 40 showing the spiral shape of each plate about the longitudinal axis. The amount of helical rotation within the plate 40 is not exclusive but is a combination of features such as the number of plates, diameter of the attachment, shape of the vanes, and desired fluid outflow angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the attachment It is a function.

11 to 17 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, components illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 1-10 are given the same reference numerals. In this second embodiment, the diameter of the accessory 150 is 40 mm. Thus, the diameter of the attachment 150 is larger than the diameter of the connection ring 68 and the fluid inlet 20 to the attachment 150. The cross-sectional area of attachment 150 is greater than the cross-sectional area of fluid inlet 20. The diameter d ₂ of the attachment 150 is larger than the diameter d _f of the fluid inlet 20.

  Air entering the attachment 150 increases in volume at the first end 14 of the elongated body 112 within the attachment so that some air is between the connection ring 68 and the outer wall 182 of the attachment 150 Recirculate towards the formed ledge 160. Thus, a portion of the air expelled from the slot 50 will flow towards the fluid inlet 20 unless the flow direction is modified. At least a first vane 170, which is a vane adjacent to the first end 14 of the elongated body 112 and the fluid inlet 20, such that this recirculation does not affect the direction of air flow out of the slot 50; Reverse to the vane 100.

  First, the vane has the function of maintaining the advantage of equalizing the volume of flow from the slot 50 and the direction along the length of the slot 50, as in the embodiment described above; Has one of the same functions as the collar 64 of the embodiment, namely the function of keeping the hair on the attachment 150 by providing an air barrier at the first end 14 of the elongated body 112. In this second embodiment, where the attachment 150 has a larger diameter than the fluid inlet 20, this air barrier causes the collar 164 to have the same diameter as the outer wall 182. Because this accessory 150 has a larger surface area than the accessory 10 described above, the hair tends to adhere to the outer surface 182, so the negative effects from the entrained flow towards the accessory 150 across the surface of the device are less obvious.

  The first vane 170 is airfoil shaped and has a concave surface 172 and a convex surface 174. The vane 100 also has a concave surface 102 and a convex surface 104. The concave surface 102 of the vane 100 is directed towards the fluid inlet 20 to direct the air exiting the slot 50 towards the fluid inlet 20, thereby causing the fluid to transition smoothly and directing or directing it in a second direction. The smooth transition reduces pressure loss, turbulence and noise in the accessory.

  In contrast, the first vane 170 has a convex surface 174 facing the fluid inlet 20. The reason for this is that the air is recirculated towards the ledge 160 so that the concave surface 172 of the first vane 170 also faces the air flow as the vane 100 does. The function is the same and the effect is the same, what is different is the direction of fluid flow.

  The first vanes 170 and the vanes 100 are adapted to change the direction of the fluid flowing in the attachment 150 from a first direction to a second direction out of the slot 50. As mentioned above, air enters the fluid inlet parallel to the longitudinal axis XX of the accessory 150, which is the first direction. The air flowing in the attachment 10 naturally redirects from this axis towards the slot 50, in which the air near the fluid inlet 20 is redirected more than necessary. As noted above, the combined action of the first vane 170, the shape of the vanes 100, and the curvature of the slot 50 on the air flow to achieve even flow along the length of the attachment 150, as described above Preferably, the fluid inlet 20 is slightly angled to create a second flow direction because the hair wraps well and curls are likely to uncurl away from the accessory 10.

A further feature of the accessory 150 is that each strut 62 has a reinforcement. The first subassembly 100 is preferably injection molded as a single element. In the accessory 10, as the elongated body 12 extends towards the fluid inlet 20, there is a natural tapering shape towards the second end 16 which is used during the manufacturing process from the accessory 10 At least partially forming the draft necessary to remove the central mold. In accessory 150, since the diameter d ₂ larger than the diameter d _f of the fluid inlet 20, undercut occurs during manufacture. For this purpose, the attachment 150 has a localized thickening 162 of struts 62 on the radially inner surface 162 a at the inlet end 86 of the overlap 84.

  This localized thickening 162 can be thought of as a reinforcing rib, protrusion or ridge extending along the entire length of the strut 62. The localized thickening 162 includes a chamfered or inclined surface 166 adjacent the fluid inlet 20 to direct fluid from the connection ring 68 beyond the end of the localized thickening 162 into the accessory 150. .

  The curvature of the localized thickening 162 further directs flow past the trailing edge 62 b of the strut 62 to the overlap 84 and the slot 50.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of a hot air setting device 200 attached to the accessory 10. Warm air styling apparatus 200 includes a generally tubular handle 220 having a fluid inlet 230 and a fluid outlet 240 at each end. At the fluid inlet 230 of the handle, a series of openings 232 extend partially along and around the handle 220. The fan unit includes a fan and a motor inside (not shown). In use, the motor drives the fan and air is drawn along a fluid flow path that extends the entire length of the handle 220 through the opening 232 of the fluid inlet 230. The fluid is discharged from the warm air styling device at fluid outlet 240 after being optionally heated by a heater (not shown). The fluid inlet 20 of the accessory 10 of the present invention is connected to the fluid outlet 240 of the warm air styling device 200 or similar device and receives fluid drawn by the action of the motor. Thereafter, fluid is drained from the accessory 10 through the slot 50. The device 200 can be connected to a power source via a power cable, or the battery can be housed within the handle 220.

  One skilled in the art will recognize that the manufacture and assembly of the present invention can be realized in many different ways. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a possible assembled subdivision is shown as an elongated body 12 structure having six elongated support struts, six separate plates and a cold tip. However, the elongate body 12 can likewise be constructed with a plurality of further assembled subsections. In another embodiment of the present invention, the elongate body 12 includes three fixation plates, and an additional three separate plates can be attached to the cage structure. It is clear that similar manufacturing and assembly methods can be used regardless of the number of plates shown in the embodiment.

  The preferred method of manufacturing the accessories 10, 150 is by injection molding, but this is not essential to the inventive concept and a person skilled in the art will recognize a suitable alternative.

  The diameter of the attachment 10, 150 may be the same as or different from the diameter of the device to which it is attached. For example, some of the inventive features described herein, such as cold tip spacing, different subassemblies and the use of vanes, can be applied regardless of diameter.

  Where the diameter of the accessory is shown as being different from the diameter of the device to which it is attached, the inner and outer diameters will generally be different.

  Although the vanes 100, 170 are shown as forming part of the plate 40, they can also be formed as part of the struts 62. Although the recesses 44 adapted to receive the structural vanes 70 are shown connected to the longitudinal flanges 48, they can also be separated.

  Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to a high temperature hairdressing brush, the invention is applicable to any device including a hair dryer, which sucks in the fluid and directs the fluid out of the device.

  The device can be used with or without a heater, and the effect of the fluid flowing out at high speed has a drying effect.

  In general, the fluid flowing in the device is air, but it may be a different combination of several or one kind of gas, which affects the performance of the device or the object such as the hair to which the output is directed and its styling. It can also contain additives to improve. Such additives include, but are not limited to, hair sprays and essences.

  The present invention is not limited to the above detailed description. Modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 plate 44 hollow 46 protrusion 48 longitudinal flange 100 vane 102 concave surface of vane 104 convex surface of vane 170 first vane 172 concave surface of first vane 174 convex surface of first vane

Claims (25)

Accessories of hair care equipment,
A fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid flow path extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, a first vane for directing fluid in the fluid flow path to the fluid outlet, and at least one further vane Having a body with
The body includes at least two extension plates,
The fluid outlet includes at least two slots defined by the overlap between the at least two extension plates,
The first vane and the at least one further vane being curved and located within the overlap between the at least two extension plates;
The first vane and the at least one further vane curve in opposite directions,
Accessories that are characterized by   The fluid inlet has a first cross-sectional area, the body includes an outer wall, the outer wall of the body includes a second cross-sectional area, and the second cross-sectional area is greater than the first cross-sectional area. An accessory according to claim 1, which is also large.   3. The accessory of claim 2, wherein the fluid inlet has a diameter df, the accessory has a diameter d2, and d2 is greater than df.   An accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is elongated and extends along an axis.   5. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the body has a first end and a second end, and the fluid inlet is at the first end.   The accessory of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vane is adjacent to the fluid inlet.   7. An accessory as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vane has a convex surface, the convex surface facing the fluid inlet.   The accessory of claim 7, wherein the at least one further vane has a concave surface, the concave surface facing the fluid inlet.   9. An accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first vane and the at least one further vane are airfoils. The accessory according to claim 5 , wherein the fluid outlet extends along an axis between the first end and the second end.   11. The accessory of claim 10, wherein the at least one additional vane comprises a plurality of vanes spaced along the extension plate.   The accessory of claim 11, wherein the plurality of vanes are irregularly spaced along the extension plate.   An accessory according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the plurality of vanes are angled with respect to the axis of the body.   14. The accessory of claim 13, wherein the angles of at least some of the vanes of the plurality of vanes are different from adjacent vanes.   15. An accessory according to claim 14, wherein the angle of the plurality of vanes with respect to the axis increases towards the second end.   The accessory of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the size of a particular vane in the plurality of vanes varies along the extension plate.   17. The accessory of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of vanes has the same shape.   The accessory according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the at least one vane is substantially the same length as the overlap between the at least two extension plates. 11. An accessory according to claim 4 or 10, wherein the slot is curved relative to the axis of the body.   20. The accessory of claim 19, wherein each extension plate is formed of a strut and a plate.   21. The accessory of claim 20, wherein the slots are formed of struts and plates from adjacent extension plates.   22. The accessory of claim 21, further comprising at least one structural vane.   23. An accessory according to claim 22, wherein the at least one structural vane connects a strut and an adjacent strut.   24. An accessory according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the at least one structural vane connects struts and plates.   25. An accessory according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair care device is a hot air styling device.