EP3461364A1 - Nozzle - Google Patents
Nozzle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3461364A1 EP3461364A1 EP18190011.9A EP18190011A EP3461364A1 EP 3461364 A1 EP3461364 A1 EP 3461364A1 EP 18190011 A EP18190011 A EP 18190011A EP 3461364 A1 EP3461364 A1 EP 3461364A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- nozzle
- air inlet
- airflow
- attachment according
- rib
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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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
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- 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
Definitions
- a hair dryer with one or more nozzles for selective attachment to the airflow outlet end of the hair dryer to modify the profile of the airflow emitted from the hair dryer.
- One form of nozzle is a concentrator, which serves to concentrate the airflow towards a selected portion of the user's hair for localized styling or drying.
- a concentrator has a main body with a circular air inlet for receiving the airflow from the hair dryer, and a slot-shaped air outlet for emitting the airflow.
- the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from a hair styling apparatus, an air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, at least one aperture in a wall of the duct, and a guiding wall within the duct and in proximity to the at least one aperture, wherein the guiding wall forms a barrier at an upstream side of the at least one aperture.
- Ambient air is entrained through each aperture into the attachment by the airflow from the hair styling apparatus. Where the airflow received from the hair styling apparatus is heated, the entrained airflow will be comparatively cool. Therefore, in use, the guiding wall divides a heated airflow passing along one side and a comparatively cool airflow passing along the other side.
- the air outlet is an elongate slot.
- the duct may further comprise a side wall extending from each end of the elongate air outlet slot towards the air inlet.
- the apertures may also be referred to as "bleed holes".
- Each aperture is preferably positioned in each side wall and may have a rounded rectangular shape.
- the aperture is approximately 3mm by 5mm.
- the aperture may be a slot extending partially or wholly around the external surface of the duct.
- the guiding wall extends downstream of the or each aperture for a distance of at least 5mm.
- the elongate air outlet slot has dimensions of length, L, to height, H, in a ratio in the range of 13:1 to 15:1, and more preferably still, in a ratio of 14:1.
- the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an air outlet, and a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, wherein at least part of an external surface of the duct comprises an arrangement of tactile protrusions.
- the air outlet is an elongate slot.
- the internal surfaces of the body are preferably shaped to form a slot-shaped opening at the air outlet end of the body to allow a user to direct the airflow emitted from the nozzle towards a selected portion of hair, for example a portion of hair wrapped around a brush for styling.
- the arrangement of tactile protrusions comprises a series of parallel, elongate ribs, each rib having a height, h, and a width, w, and a distance, d, between adjacent ribs.
- the ribbed external surface of the nozzle provides a visual guide to the user as to where they should place their fingers when grasping the nozzle. Additionally, the series of protrusions provides thermal insulation consequent to the ambient air present in the ridges and the additional depth of the plastics material present in protrusions.
- each rib is preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and more preferably still in the range of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.
- the distance, d, between each rib is preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and more preferably still in the range of 1.3mm to 1.7mm.
- the width, w, of each rib is preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 2.0mm, and more preferably still in the range of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.
- the attachment further comprises a side wall on each narrow edge of the duct, wherein each side wall extends from an end of the air outlet slot towards the air inlet.
- the arrangement of tactile protrusions may be disposed on an external surface of the side wall.
- the air inlet is generally circular in shape. Further, the air inlet may comprise at least one slot and said slot may be annular.
- Figures 1 to 6 are external views of a nozzle 10.
- the nozzle 10 comprises an air inlet 12 for receiving an airflow from an airflow outlet end of a hairdryer, and an air outlet 14 for emitting the airflow.
- the air inlet 12 is generally annular in shape, and is in the form of an annular slot 16 located at one end of the nozzle 10.
- the air outlet 14 is in the form of an elongate slot 18 located at the opposing end of the nozzle 10.
- the nozzle comprises a body 20, and a bung 22 located partially within the body 20.
- the body 20 has a first portion 24 comprising the air inlet 12, and a second portion 26 comprising the air outlet.
- the first portion 24 is substantially conical in shape, and the second portion 26 has a flattened form and a cross-section which increases in area towards the air outlet 14.
- the first portion 24 and second portion 26 together comprise a single component without seams or joins.
- the air inlet end of the first portion 24 is generally circular in shape.
- the bung 22 has a generally cylindrical upstream section 28 and a generally conical downstream section 30, as illustrated in Figure 7 .
- the generally conical downstream section 30 is located within the generally conical first portion 24 of the body, both orientated about the same longitudinal axis, X. Consequently, the air inlet 12 of the nozzle has an annular form and an annular airflow path extending between the first portion 24 of the body and the bung 22.
- the second portion 26 of the body 20 comprises a first wall 32, and a second wall 34 opposing the first wall. Both the first wall 32 and the second wall 34 are generally planar and the distance between the first wall 32 and the second wall 34 is constant.
- Two smoothly curving minor walls 36, 38 join the first wall 32 and the second wall 34. With reference to Figure 3 , the minor walls 36, 38 taper from the air inlet end 12 of the nozzle, outwardly, to the air outlet end 14 of the nozzle.
- the second portion 26 of the body has an approximately rectangular cross-section.
- the elongate slot form of the air outlet has a length, L, of between 50mm and 90mm and preferably around 70mm, and a height, H, of between 3mm and 7mm and preferably around 5mm.
- the cross-sectional area of the second portion 26 is greatest at the air outlet 18 of the second portion 26.
- the cross-section of the air outlet 18 of the second portion 26 of the body 20 has a length (L) to height (H) ratio of between 13:1 to 15:1, and preferably 14:1.
- each minor wall 36, 38 has a series of ribs extending partially along the length of each minor wall.
- Each rib 40 is approximately 0.5mm to 2.0mm in width, w, and preferably approximately 1mm in width.
- a gap between each rib is approximately 0.5mm to 2.5mm in distance, d, and preferably approximately 1.5mm in distance.
- Each rib 40 is approximately 0.5mm to 3mm in height, h, and preferably approximately 1mm in height.
- a profile of the series of ribs along each of the minor walls, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b is castellated. The profile of each rib may be squared or rounded.
- Each rib 40 has a length of similar dimension to the external height of the minor wall upon which it is disposed and each rib may taper in height, h, towards each end of said rib 40.
- An aperture 42 is located in each minor wall 36, 38 in proximity to the air inlet 12.
- the aperture 42 has a generally rounded rectangle shape and is approximately 5mm by 3mm. The longer dimension of the aperture is parallel to the length of the minor walls.
- an internal guiding wall 44 is disposed in proximity to each aperture 42 within the body 20. Each guiding wall 44 extends between the first wall 32 and the second wall 34 of the second portion 26 of the body, and extends for approximately 10mm to 15mm downstream from each aperture 42.
- the bung 22 may comprise at least one fin 46 extending from the external surface of the bung 22 such that the at least one fin 46 is in a common orientation with the flattened second portion 26 of the body.
- a fin directs airflow towards the airflow outlet and minimises turbulence of the airflow at the junction between the first portion 24 of the body 20 and the second portion 26 of the body 20.
- the at least one fin 46 may have an aerofoil form 48 in cross-section tapering to a planar distal section 50, as shown in Figure 5 . In the embodiment illustrated, the fin 46 is divided in two sections.
- the outer surface of the downstream section 30 of the bung 22 whilst having a generally conical profile, may have minor concave or convex variations.
- the outer surface of the downstream section 30 of the bung 22 may have the same profile as the inner surface of the first portion 24 of the body.
- the external surface of the body may not have the same profile as the inner surface of the body, in particular around the interface between the first portion and second portion of the body.
- the inner surface of the body may have a blended curve profile at the junction between the first portion of the body and the second portion of the body 20, rather than the angular junction of the external surface.
- Such a blended curve profile of the inner surface of the body minimises any turbulence or recirculation of the airflow within the nozzle 10.
- a retainer 52 is positioned approximately centrally within the body 20, at the apex of the first portion 24 of the body.
- the retainer 52 is part of the moulding of the body 20.
- a fastener 54 such as a screw, passes through a pre-formed hole in the axis of the bung 22 and into the retainer 52, thereby fixing the bung securely and centrally within the first portion 24 of the body 20.
- at least one strut 56 projects from an internal surface of the first portion 24 of the body 20 in order to connect with the outer surface of the bung 22. This connection functions to support the bung within the body in the correct position and may be secured via ultrasonic welding or an adhesive.
- an upstream end of the bung 22 protrudes from the first section 24 of the body.
- the circular upstream end of the first section 24 of the body comprises a planar face 60.
- the planar face 60 comprises an attachment means for attaching the nozzle 10 to a hairdryer.
- Such attachment means may comprise, for example, magnetic components or a push-fit arrangement.
- airflow emitted from the hairdryer passes into the air inlet 12 of the nozzle 10 and through the flow path between the bung and the first portion of the body.
- the airflow subsequently passes through the second portion of the nozzle 10 and is emitted at the air outlet 14.
- heat transfer causes the temperature of the nozzle to increase, potentially making the external surface of the nozzle uncomfortably hot to the touch for the user.
- a further noted effect of the entrained airflow 62 is that the heated airflow 64 is urged to exit the elongate outlet slot 18 at an angle of divergence which is greater than the exit angle in the absence of the entrained airflow 62. Furthermore, positioning the aperture 42 in a wall (such as the minor walls 36, 38 in the present embodiment) which forms at least part of a restricted duct, advantageously channels the cool, entrained airflow within the restricted duct.
- the attachment means for attaching the nozzle 10 to a hairdryer may use attractive magnetic forces and Figure 10 schematically illustrates an annular magnetic component 66 that is located in the upstream end face of the nozzle.
- the magnetic component 66 is charged with regularly spaced, alternating magnetic poles. In a preferred embodiment, 24 alternating poles are used; 12 positive and 12 negative. In use, this functions to increase the strength of the attachment between the hairdryer and the nozzle. It is also envisaged that other numbers of alternating poles may be used and that the poles may be irregularly spaced.
- FIG. 11 An example of a hair dryer 68 to which the nozzle may be attached is illustrated in Figure 11 .
- a hair dryer is described in WO2015/001306 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, in which a hot airflow is emitted from an annular slot 70 located at the air outlet end of the hair dryer.
- the annular slot extends around a bore 72 of the hair dryer. The emitted hot airflow passes through the annular air inlet of the nozzle to enter the body of the nozzle.
- a nozzle comprises a circular upstream end for attaching to a hairdryer and does not comprise a bung. Such a nozzle may be attached to a hairdryer comprising a circular air outlet.
- the nozzle may comprise a plurality of curved, slot-shaped air inlets, or a plurality of circular air inlets, arranged in a circular pattern in the air inlet end of the nozzle.
- each of the minor walls may have a pattern of insulating protrusions of various forms, such as, circular, triangular, or ring shaped.
- the pattern of insulating protrusions may extend at least partially or completely along the length of each minor wall, downstream of each aperture.
- the aperture(s) may be positioned upstream of any portion of the nozzle requiring a reduction in temperature.
- the aperture may be a slot which extends partially or substantially around an entire circumference of the first portion or second portion of the body.
- the aperture could alternatively extend along the V-shaped interface between the first portion and second portion of the body.
- a guiding wall is located upstream of, and in proximity to, the aperture, serving to block airflow upstream of the slot and to guide airflow downstream of the aperture. Where the aperture is a slot extending substantially around the nozzle, structural integrity of the nozzle may be maintained by the guiding wall or regularly positioned joins across the aperture.
- a pattern of insulating protrusions on the external surface of the body may also extend around the nozzle, downstream of the slot.
- the magnetic component in the upstream terminal end of the nozzle may be composed of magnetisable material, and the cooperating magnetic component in the outlet end of the hairdryer may comprise one or magnets in an annular form.
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- Cleaning And Drying Hair (AREA)
- Nozzles (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- It is known to provide a hair dryer with one or more nozzles for selective attachment to the airflow outlet end of the hair dryer to modify the profile of the airflow emitted from the hair dryer. One form of nozzle is a concentrator, which serves to concentrate the airflow towards a selected portion of the user's hair for localized styling or drying. In general, a concentrator has a main body with a circular air inlet for receiving the airflow from the hair dryer, and a slot-shaped air outlet for emitting the airflow.
- In a first aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from a hair styling apparatus, an air outlet, a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, at least one aperture in a wall of the duct, and a guiding wall within the duct and in proximity to the at least one aperture, wherein the guiding wall forms a barrier at an upstream side of the at least one aperture.
- Ambient air is entrained through each aperture into the attachment by the airflow from the hair styling apparatus. Where the airflow received from the hair styling apparatus is heated, the entrained airflow will be comparatively cool. Therefore, in use, the guiding wall divides a heated airflow passing along one side and a comparatively cool airflow passing along the other side.
- Preferably, the air outlet is an elongate slot. The duct may further comprise a side wall extending from each end of the elongate air outlet slot towards the air inlet.
- If the air outlet slot were inadvertently blocked or restricted during use of the attachment when attached to the hairdryer, then heated airflow can escape through the aperture(s), thereby reducing the build up of heat within the nozzle and, in particular, at the outlet slot. Therefore, the apertures may also be referred to as "bleed holes".
- Each aperture is preferably positioned in each side wall and may have a rounded rectangular shape. Preferably, the aperture is approximately 3mm by 5mm.
- The aperture may be a slot extending partially or wholly around the external surface of the duct. Preferably, the guiding wall extends downstream of the or each aperture for a distance of at least 5mm.
- It is preferred that the elongate air outlet slot has dimensions of length, L, to height, H, in a ratio in the range of 13:1 to 15:1, and more preferably still, in a ratio of 14:1.
- In a second aspect, the present invention provides an attachment for a hair styling apparatus comprising an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus, an air outlet, and a duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, wherein at least part of an external surface of the duct comprises an arrangement of tactile protrusions.
- It is preferred that the air outlet is an elongate slot. The internal surfaces of the body are preferably shaped to form a slot-shaped opening at the air outlet end of the body to allow a user to direct the airflow emitted from the nozzle towards a selected portion of hair, for example a portion of hair wrapped around a brush for styling.
- Preferably, the arrangement of tactile protrusions comprises a series of parallel, elongate ribs, each rib having a height, h, and a width, w, and a distance, d, between adjacent ribs.
- The ribbed external surface of the nozzle provides a visual guide to the user as to where they should place their fingers when grasping the nozzle. Additionally, the series of protrusions provides thermal insulation consequent to the ambient air present in the ridges and the additional depth of the plastics material present in protrusions.
- The height, h, of each rib is preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and more preferably still in the range of 0.8mm to 1.2mm. The distance, d, between each rib is preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5mm, and more preferably still in the range of 1.3mm to 1.7mm. The width, w, of each rib is preferably in the range of 0.5mm to 2.0mm, and more preferably still in the range of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.
- Preferably, the attachment further comprises a side wall on each narrow edge of the duct, wherein each side wall extends from an end of the air outlet slot towards the air inlet. The arrangement of tactile protrusions may be disposed on an external surface of the side wall.
- It is preferred that the air inlet is generally circular in shape. Further, the air inlet may comprise at least one slot and said slot may be annular.
- Preferred features of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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Figure 1 is a front perspective view, from above, of a nozzle; -
Figure 2 is a rear perspective, from above, of the nozzle; -
Figure 3a is a top view of the nozzle; -
Figure 3b schematically shows an enlarged portion of the top view of the nozzle shown inFigure 3a ; -
Figure 4 is a side view of the nozzle; -
Figure 5 is a front view of the nozzle; -
Figure 6 is a rear view of the nozzle; -
Figure 7 schematically shows a cross-section through axis A-A of the nozzle as indicated inFigure 4 ; -
Figure 8 schematically shows an enlarged portion of the cross-section shown inFigure 7 , indicating air flow paths; -
Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-section through axis B-B of the nozzle as indicated inFigure 4 ; -
Figure 10 schematically shows an annular magnet of the nozzle; and -
Figure 11 is a front perspective view of an example of a hair dryer to which the nozzle may be connected. -
Figures 1 to 6 are external views of anozzle 10. Thenozzle 10 comprises anair inlet 12 for receiving an airflow from an airflow outlet end of a hairdryer, and anair outlet 14 for emitting the airflow. Theair inlet 12 is generally annular in shape, and is in the form of anannular slot 16 located at one end of thenozzle 10. Theair outlet 14 is in the form of anelongate slot 18 located at the opposing end of thenozzle 10. - The nozzle comprises a
body 20, and abung 22 located partially within thebody 20. Thebody 20 has afirst portion 24 comprising theair inlet 12, and asecond portion 26 comprising the air outlet. Thefirst portion 24 is substantially conical in shape, and thesecond portion 26 has a flattened form and a cross-section which increases in area towards theair outlet 14. Thefirst portion 24 andsecond portion 26 together comprise a single component without seams or joins. The air inlet end of thefirst portion 24 is generally circular in shape. Thebung 22 has a generally cylindricalupstream section 28 and a generally conicaldownstream section 30, as illustrated inFigure 7 . The generally conicaldownstream section 30 is located within the generally conicalfirst portion 24 of the body, both orientated about the same longitudinal axis, X. Consequently, theair inlet 12 of the nozzle has an annular form and an annular airflow path extending between thefirst portion 24 of the body and thebung 22. - The
second portion 26 of thebody 20 comprises afirst wall 32, and asecond wall 34 opposing the first wall. Both thefirst wall 32 and thesecond wall 34 are generally planar and the distance between thefirst wall 32 and thesecond wall 34 is constant. Two smoothly curvingminor walls first wall 32 and thesecond wall 34. With reference toFigure 3 , theminor walls air inlet end 12 of the nozzle, outwardly, to theair outlet end 14 of the nozzle. - The
second portion 26 of the body has an approximately rectangular cross-section. The elongate slot form of the air outlet has a length, L, of between 50mm and 90mm and preferably around 70mm, and a height, H, of between 3mm and 7mm and preferably around 5mm. The cross-sectional area of thesecond portion 26 is greatest at theair outlet 18 of thesecond portion 26. The cross-section of theair outlet 18 of thesecond portion 26 of thebody 20 has a length (L) to height (H) ratio of between 13:1 to 15:1, and preferably 14:1. - An external face of each
minor wall rib 40 is approximately 0.5mm to 2.0mm in width, w, and preferably approximately 1mm in width. A gap between each rib is approximately 0.5mm to 2.5mm in distance, d, and preferably approximately 1.5mm in distance. Eachrib 40 is approximately 0.5mm to 3mm in height, h, and preferably approximately 1mm in height. A profile of the series of ribs along each of the minor walls, as shown inFigures 3a and 3b , is castellated. The profile of each rib may be squared or rounded. Eachrib 40 has a length of similar dimension to the external height of the minor wall upon which it is disposed and each rib may taper in height, h, towards each end of saidrib 40. - An
aperture 42 is located in eachminor wall air inlet 12. In the illustrated embodiment, theaperture 42 has a generally rounded rectangle shape and is approximately 5mm by 3mm. The longer dimension of the aperture is parallel to the length of the minor walls. As shown inFigures 7 , aninternal guiding wall 44 is disposed in proximity to eachaperture 42 within thebody 20. Each guidingwall 44 extends between thefirst wall 32 and thesecond wall 34 of thesecond portion 26 of the body, and extends for approximately 10mm to 15mm downstream from eachaperture 42. - Referring to
Figure 7 , the bung 22 may comprise at least onefin 46 extending from the external surface of the bung 22 such that the at least onefin 46 is in a common orientation with the flattenedsecond portion 26 of the body. Such a fin directs airflow towards the airflow outlet and minimises turbulence of the airflow at the junction between thefirst portion 24 of thebody 20 and thesecond portion 26 of thebody 20. The at least onefin 46 may have anaerofoil form 48 in cross-section tapering to a planardistal section 50, as shown inFigure 5 . In the embodiment illustrated, thefin 46 is divided in two sections. - The outer surface of the
downstream section 30 of the bung 22, whilst having a generally conical profile, may have minor concave or convex variations. The outer surface of thedownstream section 30 of the bung 22 may have the same profile as the inner surface of thefirst portion 24 of the body. The external surface of the body may not have the same profile as the inner surface of the body, in particular around the interface between the first portion and second portion of the body. For example, the inner surface of the body may have a blended curve profile at the junction between the first portion of the body and the second portion of thebody 20, rather than the angular junction of the external surface. Such a blended curve profile of the inner surface of the body minimises any turbulence or recirculation of the airflow within thenozzle 10. - As seen in
Figure 7 , aretainer 52 is positioned approximately centrally within thebody 20, at the apex of thefirst portion 24 of the body. Theretainer 52 is part of the moulding of thebody 20. During assembly, afastener 54, such as a screw, passes through a pre-formed hole in the axis of the bung 22 and into theretainer 52, thereby fixing the bung securely and centrally within thefirst portion 24 of thebody 20. Furthermore, at least onestrut 56 projects from an internal surface of thefirst portion 24 of thebody 20 in order to connect with the outer surface of thebung 22. This connection functions to support the bung within the body in the correct position and may be secured via ultrasonic welding or an adhesive. Where a receivingslot 58 is formed in the external surface of the bung 22 to receive eachstrut 56, stability of the bung within the body is further increased. Two struts 56 projecting from opposing sides of the internal surface of thebody 20 can be seen inFigures 6 and9 . - In the embodiment of the nozzle illustrated in
Figures 1 to 9 , an upstream end of the bung 22 protrudes from thefirst section 24 of the body. The circular upstream end of thefirst section 24 of the body comprises aplanar face 60. Theplanar face 60 comprises an attachment means for attaching thenozzle 10 to a hairdryer. Such attachment means may comprise, for example, magnetic components or a push-fit arrangement. - In use, airflow emitted from the hairdryer passes into the
air inlet 12 of thenozzle 10 and through the flow path between the bung and the first portion of the body. The airflow subsequently passes through the second portion of thenozzle 10 and is emitted at theair outlet 14. Where the airflow emitted from the hairdryer is hot, heat transfer causes the temperature of the nozzle to increase, potentially making the external surface of the nozzle uncomfortably hot to the touch for the user. By placing their fingers on the series of ribs on each of the minor walls of the body, the temperature experienced by the user is minimised. Firstly, this is consequent to the series of protrusions providing thermal insulation via the ambient air present in the ridges and the additional depth of the plastics material present in eachprotrusion 40. Secondly, airflow emitted from the hairdryer and passing through thenozzle 10, entrains cool ambient air through theaperture 42 in eachminor wall Figure 8 , aninternal airflow path 62 of entrained air extends from eachaperture 42 to theair outlet 14. The guidingwall 44 separates the entrainedairflow 62 from theheated airflow 64 in proximity to theaperture 42, and directs the entrained airflow along the internal surface of the respective minor wall. This airflow reduces the temperature of the nozzle along each minor wall, thereby making the nozzle more comfortable for the user to grasp by the external surface of theminor walls - A further noted effect of the entrained
airflow 62 is that theheated airflow 64 is urged to exit theelongate outlet slot 18 at an angle of divergence which is greater than the exit angle in the absence of the entrainedairflow 62. Furthermore, positioning theaperture 42 in a wall (such as theminor walls - The attachment means for attaching the
nozzle 10 to a hairdryer may use attractive magnetic forces andFigure 10 schematically illustrates an annularmagnetic component 66 that is located in the upstream end face of the nozzle. Themagnetic component 66 is charged with regularly spaced, alternating magnetic poles. In a preferred embodiment, 24 alternating poles are used; 12 positive and 12 negative. In use, this functions to increase the strength of the attachment between the hairdryer and the nozzle. It is also envisaged that other numbers of alternating poles may be used and that the poles may be irregularly spaced. - An example of a
hair dryer 68 to which the nozzle may be attached is illustrated inFigure 11 . Such a hair dryer is described inWO2015/001306 , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, in which a hot airflow is emitted from anannular slot 70 located at the air outlet end of the hair dryer. The annular slot extends around abore 72 of the hair dryer. The emitted hot airflow passes through the annular air inlet of the nozzle to enter the body of the nozzle. - In an alternative embodiment, a nozzle comprises a circular upstream end for attaching to a hairdryer and does not comprise a bung. Such a nozzle may be attached to a hairdryer comprising a circular air outlet.
- As an alternative to providing an air inlet in the form of an annular slot, the nozzle may comprise a plurality of curved, slot-shaped air inlets, or a plurality of circular air inlets, arranged in a circular pattern in the air inlet end of the nozzle.
- In an alternative embodiment, the external face of each of the minor walls may have a pattern of insulating protrusions of various forms, such as, circular, triangular, or ring shaped. The pattern of insulating protrusions may extend at least partially or completely along the length of each minor wall, downstream of each aperture.
- The aperture(s) may be positioned upstream of any portion of the nozzle requiring a reduction in temperature. The aperture may be a slot which extends partially or substantially around an entire circumference of the first portion or second portion of the body. The aperture could alternatively extend along the V-shaped interface between the first portion and second portion of the body. A guiding wall is located upstream of, and in proximity to, the aperture, serving to block airflow upstream of the slot and to guide airflow downstream of the aperture. Where the aperture is a slot extending substantially around the nozzle, structural integrity of the nozzle may be maintained by the guiding wall or regularly positioned joins across the aperture.
- Where the aperture is a slot extending substantially around the nozzle, a pattern of insulating protrusions on the external surface of the body may also extend around the nozzle, downstream of the slot.
- In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic component in the upstream terminal end of the nozzle may be composed of magnetisable material, and the cooperating magnetic component in the outlet end of the hairdryer may comprise one or magnets in an annular form.
- The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.
Claims (13)
- An attachment for a hair styling apparatus comprising:an air inlet for receiving airflow from the hair styling apparatus;an air outlet; anda duct for conveying air from the air inlet to the air outlet, wherein at least part of an external surface of the duct comprises an arrangement of tactile protrusions and the tactile protrusions comprise a series of parallel, elongate ribs, each rib having a height, h, and a width, w, and a distance, d, between adjacent ribs.
- An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet is an elongate slot.
- An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the height, h, of each rib is in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5mm.
- An attachment according to claim 3, wherein the height, h, of each rib is in the range of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.
- An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the distance, d, between each rib is in the range of 0.5mm to 2.5mm.
- An attachment according to claim 5, wherein the distance, d, between each rib is in the range of 1.3mm to 1.7mm.
- An attachment according to claim 1, wherein the width, w, of each rib is in the range of 0.5mm to 2.0mm.
- An attachment according to claim 7, wherein the width, w, of each rib is in the range of 0.8mm to 1.2mm.
- An attachment according to any preceding claim, further comprising a side wall on each narrow edge of the duct, wherein each side wall extends from an end of the air outlet slot towards the air inlet.
- An attachment according to claim 9, wherein the arrangement of tactile protrusions is disposed on an external surface of the side wall.
- An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet is generally circular in shape.
- An attachment according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet comprises at least one slot.
- An attachment according to any claim 12, wherein the air inlet comprises an annular slot.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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GB1715816.3A GB2566977A (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2017-09-29 | Nozzle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3461364A1 true EP3461364A1 (en) | 2019-04-03 |
Family
ID=60270261
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18190011.9A Withdrawn EP3461364A1 (en) | 2017-09-29 | 2018-08-21 | Nozzle |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190098980A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3461364A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2019063525A (en) |
CN (2) | CN109567359A (en) |
GB (1) | GB2566977A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11185142B1 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2021-11-30 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair dryer attachment |
US11832701B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-12-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair dryer attachment |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP1707007S (en) * | 2021-06-29 | 2022-02-07 | Accessories for hair care equipment | |
USD1001371S1 (en) * | 2021-06-29 | 2023-10-10 | Dyson Technology Limited | Accessory for a hairdryer |
USD1000703S1 (en) * | 2021-06-29 | 2023-10-03 | Dyson Technology Limited | Accessory for a hairdryer |
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 |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP3703110B2 (en) * | 1995-09-20 | 2005-10-05 | 九州日立マクセル株式会社 | Hair dryer nozzle |
WO2009081426A1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2009-07-02 | Tenacta Group S.P.A. | Nozzle for hair dryer with thermal insulating elements |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3837581A (en) * | 1973-10-11 | 1974-09-24 | Continental Hair Prod | Hair dryer nozzles |
DE20116614U1 (en) * | 2001-10-10 | 2001-12-06 | Chen, Shou Mao, Tah-Cha Township, Taichung | Ironing device |
US6922909B2 (en) * | 2003-01-06 | 2005-08-02 | Rovcal, Inc. | Attachment for hair dryers |
US8272142B2 (en) * | 2009-10-02 | 2012-09-25 | Vexpro, Llc | Hair dryer |
JP2012019866A (en) * | 2010-07-13 | 2012-02-02 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Hair dryer |
GB2503687B (en) * | 2012-07-04 | 2018-02-21 | Dyson Technology Ltd | An attachment for a hand held appliance |
US20140338211A1 (en) * | 2013-05-14 | 2014-11-20 | Create Co., Ltd. | Discharge nozzles for hairdryers |
CN204070979U (en) * | 2014-06-12 | 2015-01-07 | 深圳市今日电器有限公司 | A kind of hair dryer device |
GB2540203B (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2018-07-25 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Nozzle |
CN105361399B (en) * | 2015-11-30 | 2018-10-16 | 浙江美森电器有限公司 | Tuyere and hair-dryer |
-
2017
- 2017-09-29 GB GB1715816.3A patent/GB2566977A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2018
- 2018-08-21 EP EP18190011.9A patent/EP3461364A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2018-09-18 CN CN201811088824.3A patent/CN109567359A/en active Pending
- 2018-09-18 CN CN201821530301.5U patent/CN210055005U/en active Active
- 2018-09-26 US US16/142,536 patent/US20190098980A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-09-28 JP JP2018183799A patent/JP2019063525A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3703110B2 (en) * | 1995-09-20 | 2005-10-05 | 九州日立マクセル株式会社 | Hair dryer nozzle |
WO2009081426A1 (en) * | 2007-12-20 | 2009-07-02 | Tenacta Group S.P.A. | Nozzle for hair dryer with thermal insulating elements |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11185142B1 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2021-11-30 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair dryer attachment |
US11832701B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2023-12-05 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair dryer attachment |
US11998098B2 (en) | 2020-12-31 | 2024-06-04 | Sharkninja Operating Llc | Hair dryer attachment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB201715816D0 (en) | 2017-11-15 |
US20190098980A1 (en) | 2019-04-04 |
GB2566977A (en) | 2019-04-03 |
CN109567359A (en) | 2019-04-05 |
CN210055005U (en) | 2020-02-14 |
JP2019063525A (en) | 2019-04-25 |
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