DETANGLING-STRAIGHTENING COMB FOR HAIRDRYER OR BLOWER BRUSH

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present disclosure relates to an accessory for a hair dryer or a blower brush, more particularly a detangling-straightening comb of the “two-in-one” type used for detangling and straightening curly hair. Same is intended to be fastened to the outlet of an appliance that is suitable for blowing hot air such as a hair dryer or a blower brush.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Straightening appliances for curly hair are well known in the prior art and are widely used, more particularly by populations of African or African-American origin. Mechanical straightening of curly or very curly hair is generally preceded by a detangling/drying step after washing the hair. This double operation is often done with a comb having teeth that are relatively spaced, making it possible to detangle the hair before straightening same with another appliance. Straightening is generally carried out by means of a heat source used simultaneously with pressure or tension exerted on the locks of hair. Nevertheless, these successive manipulations take time and straightening exposes the hair to considerable thermal and mechanical stresses, which can damage the hair over time.

[0003]To reduce the stresses on the hair and save time, an alternative is the use of a heated air flow emitted by an appliance blowing through a “two in one” comb that is suitable for both detangling and straightening the hair during the drying operation. The means used makes it possible to guide and concentrate the outgoing air flow toward a specific area of the user's hair. Different combs are currently used to stretch the hair and facilitate the styling and detangling of curly hair. However, there is still a growing demand for a straightener accessory enabling gentle detangling and straightening of hair during drying.

[0004]Document WO00/25623 (SEB1999) discloses an accessory for a hair dryer or styling brush, including means for gripping a lock of hair with mating clamping surfaces for clamping and straightening the locks of hair.

[0005]Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,883 describes a hair straightening nozzle formed of two parallel rows of teeth, arranged on opposite sides of the nozzle, so that the air coming from the hair dryer passes through the nozzle opening, between the two rows of teeth. The nozzle is equipped with a heating bar located between the two rows and parallel to the teeth. The locks of hair are straightened as they pass between the teeth and onto the heating bar.

[0006]Document US 20200121053 describes a straightening comb that can be coupled to a hair dryer with two rows of teeth that are parallel and positioned at a certain distance from each other to leave a passage for heated air between the two rows of teeth. The heated air serves to straighten the lock of hair that is stretched between the two rows of teeth

[0007]Patent WO 2020/025919 A1 describes a hairstyling accessory in the form of a comb that can be coupled to a hair dryer, comprising an air inlet for receiving an air flow and an elongated air outlet in the form of a slot, wherein a series of comb teeth of triangular shape is mounted on a flexible bar so as to enable resilient movement of the teeth when the accessory is in use.

SUMMARY

[0008]The present disclosure relates to a comb for detangling and straightening hair that is intended to be fastened to the blowing end of a hair drying and styling appliance, said comb comprising a hollow body with an air inlet and a support including a plurality of teeth, the teeth comprising a widened base on the proximal side and a pointed tip on the distal side, the profile of the teeth of the base on the proximal side having a wavy shape that is progressively truncated over its wavy portions, from the proximal side toward the distal side of the teeth.

[0022]The present disclosure also discloses a hair dryer including a comb according to the present disclosure, with an electrical connection and a control panel for setting the carriage(s) supporting the teeth in motion.

[0023]The present disclosure further discloses a blower brush comprising a comb according to the present disclosure

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the straightening comb that can be adapted for use on a hair dryer according to the present disclosure.

[0025]FIGS. 2, 3 and 4A respectively show a plan view, a profile view and a view of the opening of the straightening comb according to the present disclosure.

[0026]FIG. 4B represents a sectional view of the straightening comb according to the present disclosure along the axis Y of FIG. 4A.

[0027]FIG. 5 shows six progressive sections A1-A1 to A6-A6 through the teeth of the straightening accessory according to the present disclosure, starting from the proximal base, where the support is located, toward the tip on the distal side. The sections show the change of the profile and the deviation undergone by the lock of hair during the passage between the teeth of the comb, from the base to the top of the teeth. At the base, on the proximal side, the teeth have a width Bd and a wave-shaped profile that is gradually attenuated toward the distal side of the teeth as the width of the teeth decreases toward the tip, on the distal side. The shape of the wave on the proximal side of the tooth includes a first portion curved in a first direction 7 and a second portion curved in a second direction 8.

[0028]FIGS. 6 to 8 represent a series of non-exhaustive and non-limiting geometrical configurations of the teeth with a wave-shaped configuration on the proximal side of the comb according to the present disclosure. The possible undulation amplitude depends on the gap between the teeth, the thickness of the teeth as well as on the angles of the tangents and of the inclination of the teeth. A summary table of these parameters is given hereinbelow:

VALUES OF THE PARAMETERS OF THE TOOTH STRUCTURE

Parameter Description (See Figures)

[0029]Two main variables of the tooth structure on the proximal side shown hereinbelow are given as an example. These two variables lead to two main variants, Twist 1 and Twist 2, the variant in which the external portions of the tooth base are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb (Twist 2 with α=vertical=0°) and the variant in which the central portion of the tooth base is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb with (Twist 1 with γ=vertical=0°)

[0030]FIGS. 29 and 30 show the angles of the tangents p on the curvatures of the wave-shaped structure of the teeth on the proximal side of the comb, as well as the average inclination a of the tooth base on the proximal side with respect to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb. The angle α represents the average deviation undergone by the lock of hair at the base of the teeth during its passage. The higher the angle α, the more constraining the passage of the lock of hair through the teeth is and the more stretched the lock is, since the force exerted for its passage through the teeth is higher. The changing profile of the tooth, from the base on the proximal side to the tip of the teeth, allows the user to adjust the depth of penetration of the lock of hair into the teeth so as to adapt the stretch force on the lock of hair to achieve an optimized straightening result. The teeth on the proximal side are curved in an opposite but symmetrical way, the angles β of the tangents are thus equal and hence the direction of use for passing the lock of hair has no influence on the penetration of the lock of hair, which makes it possible to use the hair dryer and straighten the locks in any direction.

[0031]FIGS. 6A-C represent preferred configurations with a gap between the teeth of 1.5 mm. In the figures, there is a progressive passage from an angle of inclination alpha of the teeth with respect to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb from 0 to −25°. The sign of the angles is due only to the orientation of the figure and the angles are to be taken in absolute value. With a gap of only 1.5 mm between the teeth, there is little freedom in terms of amplitude of the undulation because it is necessary to ensure free movement of the lock of hair even on the proximal side of the teeth.

[0032]FIGS. 7A-E show preferred configurations with a tooth gap of 2.5 mm. With a tooth gap increased to 2.5 mm, there is greater geometric freedom both in terms of inclination and in terms of undulation amplitude. This configuration is considered to be an optimal solution with a good balance between the number of teeth available in a defined space, a certain freedom regarding the amplitude of both the undulation and the inclination with respect to the direction of passage of the lock of hair.

[0033]FIGS. 8A-D show preferred configurations with a tooth gap of 4 mm. With such a gap between the teeth, there is even greater geometric freedom in terms of both inclination and undulation amplitude. Of course, increasing the gap between the teeth, as well as increasing, if appropriate, the thickness of the teeth, reduces the number of teeth and thus the ability to comb. A balance must then be found between, on the one hand, an undulation amplitude and an inclination of the teeth sufficient for straightening, as well as an appropriate tooth gap for effective detangling, the wave shape at the base of the tooth being the common denominator for stretching the lock of hair during the heat treatment and thus for appropriate straightening. Although curly hair is quite different in terms of texture densities and length from one person to another, when tested on dummy mannequins, the configurations 7C, 7D and 8B proved to be the most effective.

[0034]FIGS. 9 to 20B show different examples of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, the teeth of which are mounted on a movable carriage (9, 11) for setting them in motion in the three directions of space, generating a vibration/translation of the comb. Such a vibration enables easier detangling compared to a static version of the comb according to the present disclosure.

[0035]More particularly, FIGS. 9 to 11B illustrate an example of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, wherein the movement is generated by an appropriate means such as a motor including a rod that is off-center with respect to the axis of rotation (10), placed in a central position on the longitudinal axis of the comb. FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional view of this example, FIG. 10 shows an exploded view, and FIGS. 11A and B show several sections through the accessory.

[0036]FIGS. 12 to 14B illustrate an example of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, wherein the movement is generated by means of a single motor with an off-center axis 10 placed in a lateral position. FIG. 12 shows a three-dimensional view of such example, FIG. 13 shows an exploded view, and FIGS. 14A and B show several sections through the accessory.

[0037]FIGS. 15 to 17B illustrate an example of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, wherein the movement is performed by means of a vibrator including an unbalanced motor 12, such as a “precision microdrive Pico Vibe 306-103.006” motor, placed in a central position relative to the longitudinal axis of the comb. FIG. 15 shows a three-dimensional view of the above example, FIG. 16 shows an exploded view, and FIGS. 17A and B show several sections through the accessory. The section also shows the presence of an elastic damper 19 intended to absorb any contact between the support casing 3 and the movable carriage.

[0038]FIGS. 18 to 20B illustrate an example of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, wherein the movement is carried out by means of two motors 10 including rods that are off-center with respect to the motor shaft, the motors being placed at both ends on the longitudinal axis of the comb, each of which serving to control independently a carriage in two parts 11, each carriage having a set of teeth. FIG. 18 shows a three-dimensional view of this example, FIG. 19 shows an exploded view, and FIGS. 20A and B show several sections through the accessory.

[0039]FIGS. 21 to 25 show an example of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, mounted on the air outlet of a conventional hair dryer. The detangling-straightening comb in these figures comprises a movable carriage, which is set in motion by an off-center rod motor 10 placed eccentrically with respect to the air outlet axis of the hair dryer and to the air inlet into the accessory.

[0040]More particularly, FIGS. 21 and 22 represent a three-dimensional exploded view, FIG. 23 represents a front view, and FIGS. 24 and 25 represent several sections through the comb mounted on the hair dryer. Detail B of FIG. 21 shows the low voltage electrical connections that supply power to the motor while allowing the accessory to continue its rotation on the hair dryer.

[0041]FIGS. 26 to 28 show an example of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, adapted for use as an accessory on a blowing brush.

[0042]More particularly, FIG. 26 represents a three-dimensional exploded view of FIG. 27, showing a side view and a top view, while FIG. 28 represents several sections through the blowing brush.

LIST OF NUMERIC REFERENCES

[0067]The detangling-straightening comb of the present disclosure can be adapted for use on the outlet mouth of a hair dryer or a blowing brush. The comb comprises a series of teeth of essentially triangular shape, the profile of which changes in a particular and progressive manner from the proximal base toward the tip. “Profile” means the outer shape of the section made in a tooth, the section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. On the proximal side, on the support, the profile of the teeth has an approximately sinusoidal wave shape with a variable amplitude, and an angle of inclination a relative to the direction of passage of the lock of hair and thus of deviation of the locks of hair to be combed and detangled. The profile is progressively attenuated toward the distal side of the teeth of the comb by truncating the wavy portions 7 and 8, which makes it possible to tighten the locks of hair as the lock penetrates deeper and deeper into the comb, toward the base of the teeth, on the proximal side, and which makes it possible to stretch them in front of the hot air coming from the hair dryer and passing between the rows of teeth. The wavy shape of the teeth on the proximal side also enlarges the contact surface between the tooth and the lock of hair and thus increases the effectiveness of the treatment. FIG. 5 shows the change of the section of the tooth profile from the proximal side to the distal side of the teeth, which allows the user to adjust the tensile force on the lock of hair by adjusting the penetration depth of the lock of hair.

[0068]FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, show a front perspective view and a plan view of the straightening comb 1 according to the present disclosure. The comb 1 comprises an air inlet 2 intended to receive the air flow coming from an air outlet end of a hair dryer or a blower brush. The air inlet 2 of the straightening comb is an opening, the shape of which is suitable for being used on the outlet mouth of the hairdryer or of a blower brush. The straightening comb according to the present disclosure includes a support 3 holding a plurality of teeth 4 distributed uniformly over the length of the support.

[0069]The air inlet 2 has a generally circular cross-section, which is suitable for being engaged with the air outlet ends of most hair dryers. An intermediate part can nevertheless be used as an adapter for hair dryers having an air outlet unsuitable for the support of the straightening comb according to the present disclosure. For blower brushes, the adaptation is specific.

[0070]The air flow emitted by the hair dryer enters through the air inlet 2 and passes through the plurality of teeth 4, guided by the support 3. The hot air flow is in direct contact with the locks of hair, which are tightened and stretched by the wave-shaped profile of the teeth on the proximal side at the base of the comb. As the comb is exposed to the air flow coming out of a hair dryer or a blower brush that can exceed 100° C., the comb has to be made of a material resistant to the maximum temperature that can be reached.

[0071]FIG. 3 illustrates the side view of the comb 1 showing the total height, Ld, of each tooth 6, which is preferably between 25 mm and 85 mm, and preferably between 50 mm and 60 mm. The width of the base of each tooth 6, Bd, is advantageously between 10 mm and 30 mm, and preferably between 15 mm and 20 mm. It is the apparent width including the wave shape.

[0072]With reference to FIG. 3, the side view of the comb 1 shows the lateral shape of the tooth 6, which is generally triangular and may possibly have a rectangular base. The tip of the tooth, contrary to the graphic representation, is never sharp but always has a radius of a few tenths of a millimeter.

[0073]FIG. 4A illustrates the plan view of the comb 1, which shows the alignment of the teeth. In this embodiment, the wave profile at the base of the teeth includes a first curved portion 7 located above the axis Y and a second curved portion 8 situated below the axis Y. The two curves have two tangents P, respectively, the inclinations of which are equal. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each tooth has a thickness e approximately equal to 2 mm and the teeth are spaced apart by a distance E of about 3 mm.

[0074]The comb 1 comprises a plurality of teeth 4 connected to the proximal base on the support side 3. In the diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in the static version of the comb, the plurality of teeth 4 may be molded and/or injected with the support 3 and the air inlet 2, in one piece. Depending on the inclinations of the tangent P, the average inclination a with respect to the passage of the lock of hair, and the configuration of the straightening comb in general, separately molded/injected part assemblies may also be used, especially for versions of the comb mounted on a movable carriage.

[0075]FIG. 5 illustrates the front view of the comb 1 with six cross-sections through the length of the teeth 4, from the proximal base on the support side 3 to the tip 5 on the distal side. Each tooth has a wave-shaped profile or an undulation, extending over the width of the support 3. The wave is formed of two portions curved in opposite directions with respect to the axis Y and each portion has a tangent inclination p of the curved portion between 20° and 50°, preferably between 30° and 40° and particularly preferably between 36° and 38° for the variant gamma=0. For the variant alpha=0, the inclination of the tangent p of the curved portion is between 20° and 30°, preferably between 24 and 26°. The width of the teeth 4 decreases progressively from the base toward the tip until reaching a parallelepipedal cross-section illustrated in sections A1-A1, A2-A2, A3-A3, A4-A4, A5-A5, and A6-A6, respectively.

[0076]The detangling-straightening comb of the present disclosure can also be adapted for use on a blowing brush as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.

[0077]According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the teeth is greater on the proximal side 6 than on the distal side 5. Indeed, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, which is a longitudinal section of the comb along the axis Y, the thickness 61 of the tooth on the proximal side is greater than the thickness 51 on the distal side. The gap between the teeth on the distal side is thus larger, which makes it easier to insert the hair into the comb.

[0078]According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the teeth of the detangling-straightening comb can be mounted on a movable carriage allowing movement in the three directions of space, generating a vibration of the comb with a maximum amplitude of about one millimeter for an unbalanced motor 12. For the movements generated by motors with an off-center rod with respect to the motor shaft 10, the amplitude of movement may be of a few millimeters.

[0079]To set the comb in motion, a plurality of means may be contemplated, such as the use of a vibrator 12 by an unbalanced motor or the use of one or a plurality of motors 10 with an off-center rod that are located in the accessory. FIGS. 9 to 18 show a plurality of embodiments for the implementation of a vibration movement along several axes.

[0080]The comb according to the present disclosure may also include two independent carriages 11 on each side of the accessory, driven by a motor 10 with an off-center rod. Each of the carriages comprises one in two teeth, which makes it possible to set the comb in motion in partial or full phase opposition. Thus, the teeth 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc. are fastened on a first carriage and the teeth 2,4, 6, 8, etc. on a second carriage, where the two carriages can be set in motion at different amplitudes and frequencies.

[0081]In the configurations including a motor, a thermal protection wall 22 separating the motor compartment from the flow of hot air from the hair dryer or blower brush is provided to protect the motors from high temperatures that can be reached by the air entering the accessory.