WO2025094023A1

WO2025094023A1 - Hair care apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2025094023A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/060594
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kavya NAIR
Original assignee: Dyson Operations Pte Ltd
Current assignee: Dyson Operations Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2023-11-01
Filing date: 2024-10-28
Publication date: 2025-05-08
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-01
Also published as: GB2635174A; GB202316710D0

Abstract

A hair care apparatus 10 comprising a barrel 11 having an outer surface 14, and an enclosure 12 mountable to the barrel. The enclosure 12 comprises a sidewall 25 extending around the barrel 11 such that a hair-receiving space 13 is defined between the sidewall 25 and the barrel 11 for accommodating hair wrapped around the outer surface 14 of the barrel 11 in use. The sidewall 25 of the enclosure 12 comprises first 26 and second 27 wall portions moveable relative to one another between an open position and a clamping position. In the open position an opening 28 is formed in the sidewall 25 for the passage of hair into the hair- receiving space 13. In the clamping position hair extending through the opening 28 is clamped between the first 26 and second 27 wall portions.

Description

HAIR CARE APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

Hair care apparatuses are known for styling hair. One type of hair care apparatus is a roller, typically used for curling hair. In use, a user rolls a roller (which is typically cylindrical) along a tress of hair to wrap the tress of hair around the roller. This may be performed when the hair is wet or heated. As the hair is wrapped about the roller and allowed to cool down, it conforms to the shape of the roller. This results in curls or waves in the hair when it is released from the roller.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is disclosed a hair care apparatus comprising: a barrel having an outer surface and one or more fluid outlets, each arranged to discharge fluid across the outer surface for flow in a circumferential direction around the barrel; and an enclosure mountable to the barrel and comprising a sidewall that extends around the barrel such that a hair-receiving space is defined between the sidewall and the barrel for accommodating hair when wrapped around the outer surface of the barrel in use.

In use, the one or more fluid outlets can draw hair onto (to attach the hair to) the outer surface of the barrel (i.e. using the Coanda effect). This wraps hair about the barrel as the user moves the apparatus along a tress of hair. Thus, unlike traditional rollers, the hair care apparatus of the first aspect requires minimal rotational movement of the barrel by a user, and also requires minimal tension to be applied to a user’s hair. This reduces the manual effort required to wrap hair about the barrel, making it easier and quicker for a user to use the apparatus.

As may be appreciated, when the fluid is heated (e.g. heated air) the hair can be heated as it is wrapped about the barrel. Heating the hair can alter the chemical structure of the hair, allowing it to more readily change shape (i.e. to the diameter of the barrel) as it is allowed to cool on the barrel (in this case, to more readily curl about the barrel). When the hair cools the structure “sets” which means that the hair is retained in the newly applied shape.

The enclosure, which extends about the barrel (and about hair wrapped around the barrel in use), helps to retain heat within the hair-receiving space. This means the hair remains heated for a longer period of time, which facilitates reshaping of the hair. Likewise, the enclosure promotes a more concentrated vortex of fluid flow around the barrel. This helps to generate more swirling force that allows hair to be wrapped around the barrel more tightly.

In a second aspect, there is disclosed a hair care apparatus comprising: a barrel having an outer surface; and an enclosure mountable to the barrel and comprising a sidewall extending around the barrel such that a hair-receiving space is defined between the sidewall and the barrel for accommodating hair wrapped around the outer surface of the barrel in use; wherein the sidewall of the enclosure comprises first and second wall portions moveable relative to one another between: an open position in which an opening is formed in the sidewall for the passage of hair into the hair-receiving space; and a clamping position in which hair extending through the opening is clamped between the first and second wall portions.

The provision of first and second wall portions that are movable to a clamping position provides convenient means for retaining the hair care apparatus in a user’s hair.

In at least one use of the hair apparatus, a user may heat a tress of hair (e.g. via the barrel or otherwise) when the tress of hair is wrapped about the barrel. A user can then move the wall portions to the clamping position to retain the hair apparatus in position on the tress of hair by clamping the hair. This allows a user to hold the hair in a state in which the hair is wrapped about the barrel to cool down while e.g. performing other activities (including the installation of further hair apparatuses in their hair). In other words, the hair apparatus of the second aspect allows for passive styling of a user’s hair. The enclosure helps to retain heat in the hair while the hair apparatus is retained on the tress of hair. In this respect, the enclosure provides dual functionality: a heat retaining function and a clamping function. This simplifies use of the apparatus for the user, for example not requiring a separate means for retaining the apparatus in their hair.

In a third aspect, there is provided a hair care apparatus comprising: a barrel having an outer surface on which hair is wrapped in use; and an enclosure defining a cavity into which the barrel can be received, the enclosure comprising: a sidewall that extends around the barrel when received in the cavity; a lateral opening in the sidewall for passage of hair into the cavity to wrap around the barrel; and an end opening for receipt of the barrel into the cavity, wherein a portion of the end opening is contiguous with the lateral opening.

Providing an end opening and a lateral opening that are contiguous can allow the barrel to be removed from the cavity of the enclosure without needing to first unwrap hair from the barrel.

In use, the end (i.e. tip) of a tress of hair is inserted into the lateral opening and wrapped about the barrel (i.e. a portion of the tress of hair extending through the lateral opening). A hair-receiving space is defined between the sidewall and the barrel for accommodating hair wrapped around the outer surface of the barrel in use.

After the hair has been styled (i.e. shaped/curled) a user can remove the barrel from the cavity through the end opening. By providing the lateral opening and end opening so as to be contiguous, when the barrel is removed from the cavity, the portion of the tress of hair extending through the lateral opening can be removed with the barrel. In other words, the user does not need to first remove the tress of hair from the barrel before it is removed from the enclosure (the hair and barrel can be removed together). This means the tress of hair (i.e. in the curled state) can be slid off the end of the barrel (i.e. once both are removed from the enclosure) rather than having to pull the hair laterally off the barrel and through the lateral opening which could disrupt the style already applied.

Each of the apparatuses of the first, second, or third aspect may include one or more of the features of the apparatuses of the other of the first, second and third aspects.

Thus, for example, the barrel of the second and/or third aspect may comprise one or more fluid outlets, each arranged to discharge fluid across the outer surface in a circumferential direction around the barrel.

The sidewall of the enclosure of the first and/or third aspect may comprise first and second wall portions moveable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. In the open position an opening may be formed in the sidewall for the passage of hair into the hair-receiving space. In the clamping position hair extending through the (lateral) opening may be clamped between the first and second wall portions.

The enclosure of the first and/or second aspect may comprise a lateral opening in the sidewall for passage of hair into the cavity to wrap around the barrel (which may be the opening formed when the first and second wall portions are in the open position, when present). The enclosure may further comprise an end opening for receipt of the barrel into the cavity, and a portion of the end opening may be contiguous with the lateral opening.

Optional features of the first, second and third aspects will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

Each fluid outlet may comprise a slot. Each slot may be elongate in a direction of extension of the barrel (i.e. substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the barrel). Each slot may extend along a helical path about the barrel. Each fluid outlet may otherwise comprise a plurality of apertures and/or slots arranged in a row.

Each outlet may be for discharging an airflow (i.e. may be an airflow outlet). In other embodiments, each outlet may be configured for discharging e.g. steam.

The barrel may comprise a plurality of fluid outlets (e.g. slots) spaced in a circumferential direction around the barrel. The plurality of fluid outlets (e.g. slots) may be distributed evenly around the barrel.

Each outlet may be configured such that fluid discharged from the outlet flows along the outer surface by way of the Coanda effect. That is, each outlet may be configured such that fluid discharged therefrom attaches to the outer surface of the barrel so as to flow along at least a portion of the outer surface. Each outlet may be arranged to discharge fluid in a direction that is substantially tangential to the outer surface.

The barrel may comprise an internal passage in fluid communication with the one or more outlets. Thus, the barrel may be hollow. The passage may be a plenum from which each of the one or more fluid outlets receive fluid.

The barrel may comprise a plurality of overlapping vanes. Each outlet may be defined between a pair of overlapping vanes (i.e. may be provided by a gap between overlapping vanes). Each vane may be convex. Each vane may comprise a convex outer surface. Each outlet may be arranged to discharge a fluid flow across a respective convex outer surface of a vane.

The barrel may taper in a direction away from the end opening (when present) of the enclosure when received in the cavity.

The barrel may extend along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. The barrel may taper from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the barrel (taken along a transverse plane, normal to the longitudinal axis) may be greater at the proximal end than at the distal end. The cross-sectional area may gradually reduce from the proximal end to the distal end. The cross-sectional area may reduce in a non-linear manner. Thus, for example, the outer surface of the barrel may be concave in a direction along a length of the barrel from the proximal end to the distal end.

For the avoidance of doubt, further references to “transverse” herein are references to a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

The proximal end of the barrel may comprise an engagement portion for releasably mounting to the enclosure. The engagement portion may be configured to engage the enclosure at or near to the end opening of the enclosure. The barrel may extend from a base at or near to the end opening of the enclosure to a free end (i.e. the end of the barrel opposite to the end opening may be a free end).

A magnetic connection may be provided between the barrel and the enclosure. The magnetic connection may be provided at the distal end of the barrel (and a corresponding portion of the enclosure in proximity to the distal end of the barrel). One of the barrel and the enclosure may comprise a magnet and the other of the barrel and the enclosure may comprise a ferromagnetic material or a magnet. For example a magnet may be provided at an end of the enclosure in proximity to the distal end of the barrel and the distal end of the barrel may comprise ferromagnetic material or a magnet. This magnetic connection may aid in retaining the barrel within the enclosure.

The barrel may be formed of a polymer comprising a metal additive (e.g. polyamide with a metal additive, such as polyamide 12 with an alumide additive).

The sidewall of the enclosure may extend substantially fully around the barrel when the enclosure is mounted to the barrel. The sidewall may be tubular. The sidewall may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape (i.e. taken normal to a central axis of the sidewall), or may have other cross-sectional shapes, such triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical, etc.

The enclosure may comprise a vent for venting fluid from the hair-receiving space. The vent may be formed in the sidewall. The provision of a vent may ensure that fluid discharged from the barrel (i.e. when the barrel is of the type comprising one or more outlets) is able to escape from the interior of the enclosure. The vent can also facilitate the formation of a dominant fluid flow path along which most of the fluid flows (i.e. from the barrel to the vent). This may promote laminar flow rather than turbulent flow which could otherwise disrupt the style imparted on the hair by the apparatus.

When the apparatus includes first and second wall portions, the vent may be formed in the first or second wall portion. The vent may be partially or fully obstructed by the other of the first and second wall portions when in the closed position. This may aid in retaining heat within the interior of the enclosure when in the closed position.

Louvers may extend across the vent for guiding fluid flow through the vent. Each louver may extend across the vent in the longitudinal direction (i.e. substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel).

Each louver may comprise a leading edge, a trailing edge and a chord line extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Each louver may be oriented such the chord line of the louver is oblique with respect to a radial reference line extending from the central longitudinal axis of the barrel to the louver. Each louver may be oriented so as to be angled from the radial reference line in the same circumferential direction as fluid is discharged from the barrel.

More generally, each louver may be arranged so as to be aligned (i.e. such that the chord line is aligned with) with a fluid flow path that extends from the barrel along a spiral.

Such louver geometry may aid in discharging a radial flow component of the fluid from the enclosure.

A cross-sectional area of the vent may be greater than a cross-sectional area of the lateral opening in the sidewall of the enclosure. For the avoidance of doubt, the cross-sectional area of the vent is to be taken as the open area of the vent (i.e. the area through which a fluid is able to flow). Such an arrangement may ensure the majority of fluid exits the enclosure through the vent rather than through the lateral opening, which would otherwise result in backflow causing significant disturbance to the hair during the hair wrapping process. Thus, the discharge of fluid from the enclosure in this way facilitates wrapping of the hair about the barrel via the Coanda effect to tightly wrap hair about the barrel. The cross-sectional area of the vent may be between 35 cm² and 110 cm², or e.g. between 50 cm² and 95 cm², or e.g. between 65 cm² and 80 cm². The cross-sectional area of the lateral opening (i.e. when fully opened) may be between 15 cm² and 75 cm², or e.g. between 35 cm² and 65 cm².

The vent may extend for substantially the full length of the sidewall (i.e. length being taken in the longitudinal direction).

The vent may extend circumferentially for between 25% and 80%, or e.g. between 30% and 70% of the circumference of a circle extending around the barrel (e.g. about 50% of the circumference of the barrel).

The vent may be provided on an opposite side of the enclosure to the lateral opening. The vent may be diametrically opposite the lateral opening.

When the sidewall comprises first and second wall portions, the first and second wall portions may be movable relative to one another in a circumferential direction around the barrel. The first and second wall portions may be arcuate (i.e. may have arcuate profiles taken in a plane normal to the direction of extension of the barrel). One or both of the first and second wall portions may have a transverse profile that forms a major arc of a circle.

The first and second wall portions may be rotatable relative to one another about a longitudinal axis of the barrel. The first and second wall portions may be slideable relative to one another.

The first and second wall portions may be arranged concentrically with one another. The first and second wall portions may share a central axis, which may be coaxial with the central axis of the barrel.

Each of the first and second wall portions may comprise a clamping surface. In use, in the clamping position, the clamping surfaces may be brought towards one another (i.e. by relative movement of the wall portions) to clamp hair therebetween. In the open position, the clamping surfaces may be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction (e.g. to define the lateral opening therebetween). The clamping surfaces may be substantially planar. This may minimise or avoid any damage to a user’s hair when clamped between the clamping surfaces.

One of the first and second wall portions may comprise a stop feature (e.g. a lip) arranged to abut against the other of the first and second wall portions when in the open position (e.g. to prevent further movement of the first and second wall portions in a direction away from the closed position).

The apparatus may comprise a retaining portion configured to retain the first and second wall portions in the clamping position. The retaining portion may comprise a magnet. For example one of the first and second wall portions may comprise a magnet and the other may comprise a magnet or ferromagnetic portion. The use of a magnet(s) to retain the first and second wall portions in the clamping position may avoid damage to a user’s hair that could otherwise be caused by clamping the hair. The retaining portion may otherwise comprise e.g. a snap engagement feature or a bump feature.

The apparatus may comprise a further retaining portion for releasably retaining the first and second wall portions in the open position.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a retaining portion configured to both releasably retain the first and second wall portions in the closed position and releasably retain the first and second wall portions in the open position. For example, one or more magnets may be provided on one of the first and second wall portions, the one or more magnets engaging with a first set of further magnets or a second set of further magnets (e.g. provided on the other of the wall portions) depending on whether in the open or closed position.

The apparatus may comprise a cap that is moveably mounted at an end of the enclosure. The cap may be connected (e.g. fixedly) to the first or second wall portion such that the cap is moveable to move the first wall portion relative to the second wall portion. Thus, the cap may be gripped by a user to move the first and second wall portions relative to one another. That the cap is at an end of the enclosure may reduce the likelihood that a user’s hand comes into contact with heated fluid discharged from the enclosure (i.e. reducing or avoiding discomfort to a user). The cap may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the barrel. In this way, twisting the cap (so as to rotate the cap about the longitudinal axis of the barrel) may move the first and second wall portions between the open and clamping positions.

To facilitate rotation of the cap, a bearing (e.g. ball bearing) may be provided between the cap and an end wall extending across an end of the sidewall (e.g. extending across an end of the second wall portion). In other embodiments, the second wall portion and cap may be slideably mounted to one another for relative rotation (e.g. may comprise bearing surfaces in abutment and configured for sliding contact).

The cap may comprise a heat insulative material. The cap may comprise, for example, [a glass fibre reinforced polyamide.

The hair care apparatus may be configured for releasable mounting to a hair care device. The apparatus may comprise a mounting portion for releasable mounting with a hair care device. The mounting portion may form part of the barrel, for example may be provided at the proximal end of the barrel.

The mounting portion may be configured to releasably mount the apparatus to a hair care device of the type that comprises an outlet for supply of a fluid (e.g. heated air). The mounting portion may be configured to releasably mount the apparatus to the hair care device such that the internal passage of the barrel is in fluid communication with an outlet of the hair care device. In this way, fluid supplied from the outlet of the device may flow into the internal passage of the barrel and then be discharged from the one or more outlets.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a hair care system that comprises a hair care apparatus as described above (e.g. a hair care apparatus of the first, second or third aspect), and a hair care device releasably mountable to apparatus.

The hair care device may be releasably mountable to the barrel of the apparatus (or e.g. to the enclosure).

The hair care device may comprise a device outlet. The device may comprise a fluid flow generator (e.g. fan, compressor, blower, pump, etc.) for supplying a flow of fluid (to the device outlet. The hair care device may be releasably mountable to the hair care apparatus such that the device outlet is in fluid communication with the one or more outlets and/or internal passage of the barrel of the hair care apparatus.

The hair care device may comprise a heater configured to heat fluid for discharge from the device outlet. The hair care device may e.g. be a hair dryer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 A is a perspective view of a hair care apparatus;

Figure IB is a perspective section view of the hair care apparatus of Figure 1A in an open position;

Figure 1C is a perspective section view of the hair care apparatus of Figure 1 A;

Figure ID is a section view of the hair care apparatus of Figure 1A;

Figure 2 is a schematic view showing a louver of the hair care apparatus of Figure 1A; and

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the hair care apparatus of Figure 1 A with a barrel of the apparatus released from an enclosure of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The hair care apparatus 10 illustrated in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and ID is for providing curl (and e.g. volume and body) to a user’s hair. The apparatus 10 includes a tubular barrel 11 and an enclosure 12 that is releasably mountable to the barrel 11. The enclosure 12 extends around the barrel 11 such that a hair-receiving space 13 is defined between the enclosure 12 and the barrel 11 for accommodating hair wrapped around the barrel 11 in use.

The barrel 11 includes an outer surface 14 and a plurality of fluid outlets 15, which are in the form of slots that are elongate in a direction of extension of the barrel 11 (i.e. the outlets 15 extend along a length of the barrel 11). The outlets 15 are spaced circumferentially so as to be distributed evenly around the barrel 11.

The outlets 15 are arranged to discharge fluid (in this case, heated air) across the outer surface 14 of the barrel 11 in a circumferential direction around the barrel 11. In particular, the outlets 15 are configured such that air discharged from the outlets 15 attaches to the outer surface 14 of the barrel 11 so as to flow along the outer surface 14 of the barrel 11 (i.e. via the Coanda effect). In this way, in operation, the outlets 15 produce an airflow that flows circumferentially around the barrel 11, which draws hair onto and around the barrel 11. Thus, a user can simply move the apparatus 10 along a tress of hair and the airflow generated by the outlets 15 will wrap the tress of hair about the barrel 11 (i.e. with minimal rotation of the apparatus 10 or barrel 11 required by the user). In other words, a hair wrapping mechanism of the barrel 11 is provided by the fluid outlets 15.

The barrel 11 is formed of a plurality of overlapping elongate vanes 16 (or vane portions). Each outlet 15 is defined between two overlapping vanes 16 (as best seen in Figures IB and 1C), such that a first edge 17 of each vane 16 provides an inner boundary of an outlet 15 and an opposite second edge 18 of the vane 16 provides an outer edge of a further outlet 15. Each vane 16 has a convex shape, and the outer surface 14 of the barrel 11 is provided by convex outer surfaces 19 of the vanes 16 (which can also be referred to as Coanda surfaces). The outlets 15 direct airflow over these convex outer surfaces 19, which attaches to the convex surfaces 19 due to the Coanda effect.

The barrel 11 extends along a longitudinal axis 20 from a proximal end 21 to a distal end 22, and tapers in a direction from the proximal end 21 to the distal end 22, such that a width (or effective diameter) of the barrel 11 is smaller at the distal end 22 than at the proximal end 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 11 tapers in a non-linear manner, such that the outer surface 14 is concave in a direction along the length of the barrel 11 (i.e. between the proximal 21 and distal 22 ends). As a result of the tapering of the barrel 11, each vane 16 forming part of the barrel 11 is wider at the proximal end 21 of the barrel 11 than at the distal end 22 of the barrel 11 (i.e. each vane 16 tapers from the proximal end 21 to the distal end 22).

As is most apparent from Figures IB and 1C, the barrel 11 includes a central fluid flow passage 23 (in this case an airflow passage). The vanes 16 surround this passage 23 and the outlets 15 formed between the vanes 16 receive (heated) airflow from the passage 23. In this respect, the passage 23 functions as an airflow plenum. Thus, air first flows in a longitudinal direction along the passage 23 before turning and exiting the barrel 11 in the circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis 20. The barrel 11 includes a mounting portion comprising a plurality of protrusions 24 circumferentially spaced from one another at the proximal end 21 of the barrel 11. These protrusions 24 can engage recesses in a hair care device to releasably mount the barrel 11 (and thus the apparatus 10) to the hair care device. In this way the barrel 11 can be mounted at the device outlet of a hair care device (not shown) of the type that is able to generate a flow of heated air through the device outlet. Accordingly, such heated air can be received in the passage 23 of the barrel 11 and discharged through the outlets 15.

Such heated air can heat the hair of a user wrapped about the barrel 11 directly (i.e. by flowing across the hair). Likewise, the heated air can heat the barrel 11 itself. To help retain such heat, the barrel 11 is formed of a polymer comprising a metal additive (in particular, polyamide 12 plastic with an alumide additive).

The enclosure 12 also aids in retaining heat within the apparatus 10. The enclosure 12 defines a cavity 51 into which the barrel 11 can be received. In particular, the enclosure 12 includes a tubular sidewall 25 and an end cap 32 mounted at an end of the sidewall 25. The sidewall 25 extends circumferentially around the barrel 11 and is radially spaced from the barrel 11 to define the (annular) hair-receiving space 13.

The sidewall 25 includes first 26 and second 27 wall portions that are arranged concentrically (i.e. about the longitudinal axis 20 of the barrel 11) with one another. In particular, the first wall portion 26 extends circumferentially around the second wall portion 27. Each wall portion 26, 27 has an arcuate profile (i.e. taken in a transverse plane, normal to the longitudinal axis 20). That is, each wall portion 26, 27 extends along a path that forms a major arc of a circle extending around the longitudinal axis 20.

The first 26 and second 27 wall portions are movable relative to one another between an open position (Figures 1 A and IB) and a clamping position (Figure 1C). In the open position a lateral opening 28 is formed in the sidewall 25 of the enclosure 12 for the passage of hair into the hair-receiving space 13. In the clamping position, hair extending through the lateral opening 28 can be clamped between the first 26 and second 27 wall portions.

The first 26 and second 27 wall portions are, in particular, rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis 20 (i.e. the central axis of the barrel 11). The first wall portion 26 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis 20 relative to the barrel 11, while the second wall portion 27 is fixedly mounted to the barrel 11 (i.e. does not rotate relative to the barrel 11). In the illustrated embodiment, a proximal end face 29 of the second wall portion 27 includes a circumferential groove 30 formed therein. The proximal end 21 of the barrel 11 includes an engagement portion in the form of an annular lip 31 received in the circumferential groove 30 to mount the barrel 11 to the second wall portion 27.

In use, rotation of the first wall portion 26 is performed via the end cap 32 (which is provided at a distal end 33 of the enclosure 12, near to the distal end 22 of the barrel 11). The end cap 32 is movably mounted at the end 33 of the enclosure 12. In particular, the end cap 32 is fixedly mounted to the first wall portion 26 and is rotatable (about the longitudinal axis 20) relative to the second wall portion 27. To facilitate rotating motion between the end cap 32 and the second wall portion 27, an annular bearing 50 is interposed between an inner surface of the end cap 32 and an end wall 34 that closes an end of the second wall portion 27 adjacent the end cap 32. Also provided in the end wall 34 is a first magnet 48 that magnetically interacts with a second magnet 49 in the distal end 22 of the barrel 11.

The end cap 32 is formed of a heat insulative material, which minimises heat transfer from the enclosure 12 to a user’s hand when the end cap 32 is gripped (i.e. ensuring the end cap 32 is comfortable to grip).

Each of the first 26 and second 27 wall portions includes a respective planar clamping surface 35. The clamping surface 35 of the second wall portion 27 is provided on a radially outwardly extending lip 39 of the second wall portion 27 that seats against the first wall portion 26 when the first 26 and second 27 wall portions are in the open position. In use, when the first 26 and second 27 wall portions are in the clamping position, a tress of hair can be clamped between these clamping surfaces 35. The first 26 and second 27 wall portions may be collectively referred to as a clamping portion movable in use between the open position and the clamping position.

To retain the first 26 and second 27 wall portions in the clamping position, the first 26 and second 27 wall portions comprise a retaining portion that includes magnets 36 embedded in each of the clamping surfaces 35. The magnets 36 are configured such that, in normal use, the first 26 and second 27 wall portions will remain in the clamping position (i.e. by the attraction of the magnets 36 on one clamping surface 35 to those on the other clamping surface 35) until moved apart by a user (e.g. by rotating the end cap 32). As may be appreciated, in other embodiments only one clamping surface 35 may comprise magnets and the other may be provided with a ferromagnetic portion.

In the open position, the clamping surfaces 35 are spaced apart (i.e. in the circumferential direction) to define the lateral opening 28 therebetween. Although not immediately apparent from the figures, the first 26 and second 27 wall portions are also releasably retained in the open position. This is provided by magnetic attraction between the magnets 36 embedded in the clamping surface 35 of the second wall portion 27 and further magnets 36’ (see Figure 1C) provided on a surface of the first wall portion 26 against which a rear side of the lip 39 (of the second wall portion 27) abuts. In this way, the magnets 36 embedded in the clamping surface 35 of the second wall portion 27 play a part in releasably maintaining the first 26 and second 27 wall portions in both the closed position and in the open position.

In this open position, the first 26 and second 27 wall portions substantially overlap in the circumferential direction (i.e. the second wall portion 27 is substantially fully nested within the first wall portion 26).

The first wall portion 26 includes a vent 37 for venting fluid from the hair receiving space 13. The vent 37 is diametrically opposite the lateral opening 28 (when the first 26 and second 27 wall portions are in the open position). The vent 37 extends in the longitudinal direction for substantially the full length of the first wall portion 26. Likewise, the vent 37 extends in the circumferential direction for about a quarter of the full circumference of a circle extending around the barrel 11.

The size of the vent 37 means that, in use, when the first 26 and second 27 wall portions are in the open position, air will tend to flow out of the vent 37 rather than, for example, the lateral opening 28. This helps to ensure that air within the hair-receiving space 13 flows generally in one direction, which can aid in reducing any disruption to the hair being styled. Similarly, by directing air out of the vent 37 rather than the lateral opening 28, the hair extending through the lateral opening 28 is not disrupted by airflow. The vent 37 includes two crossbars 38 that extend circumferentially across the vent 37 so as to divide the vent 37 into three openings. Also provided is a plurality of circumferentially spaced louvers 40 that extending longitudinally across each of the three openings.

A representative louver 40 is shown in Figure 2 (it should be appreciated that each louver 40 is the same as the louver 40 of Figure 2). The louver 40 includes a leading edge 41 and a trailing edge 42 (i.e. the trailing edge 42 being downstream of the leading edge 41 with respect to the direction of airflow 43 across the louver 40), and a chord line 44 extending from the leading edge 41 to the trailing edge 42. The louver 40 is oriented such that the chord line 44 is oblique with respect to a radial reference line 45 extending from the longitudinal axis of the barrel 11. In particular, the louver 40 is angled from the radial reference line 45 in a direction of the airflow discharged from the barrel 11. Thus, more generally, the louver 40 is oriented so as to align with the natural path of airflow discharged from the barrel 11 to the vent 37. This aids in maintaining a more laminar airflow that is less likely to cause disruption to styled hair in use.

Returning to Figures 1 A, IB and 1C, the second wall portion 27 includes an opening 46 that overlaps with the vent 37 when the first 26 and second 27 wall portions are in the open position. This ensures that the second wall portion 27 does not obstruct the vent 37 when in the open position.

The barrel 11 is releasably mounted to the enclosure 12 at the proximal end of the barrel 11 via an interference fit. In particular the barrel 11 is mounted at, and extends through, an end opening 47 of the enclosure 12 (the end opening 47 being defined by the first 26 and second 27 wall portions). The barrel 11 tapers in a direction away from the end opening 47 of the enclosure. When the first 26 and second 27 wall portions are in the open position, the lateral opening 28 is contiguous with the end opening 47. As is best explained with respect to Figure 3, this aids in removal of a tress off hair from the apparatus 10.

In use, a user first mounts the barrel 11 to a hair care device and activates the hair care device to supply a flow of treated air into the barrel 11. A tress of hair is inserted through the lateral opening 28 into the hair-receiving space 13 and is wrapped around the barrel 11 (e.g. several times). This wrapping of the hair is facilitated by the outlets 15 of the barrel 11, as described above. Once the user is content with the length of hair wrapped about the barrel 11, they can move the first wall portion 26 to the closed position to clamp a portion of the tress of hair between the clamping surfaces 35. At this point (or even before closing the first wall portion 26), the user can release the barrel 11 from the hair care device.

This process can be repeated several times with further hair apparatuses (i.e. identical or similar to that shown in Figures 1A, IB and 1C) to apply a style to a user’s hair. The user can then elect to leave the hair apparatus 10 in their hair for a period of time (e.g. to help set the style). During this period, the hair apparatus 10 will be retained on the tress of hair by the clamping of the hair between the clamping surfaces 35 (i.e. between the first 26 and second 27 wall portions).

After this period of time, a user can release the hair from being clamped by moving the first 26 and second 27 wall portions to the open position. A user can then remove their hair from the hair-receiving space 13. One option for doing so is, of course, to simply pull the hair through the lateral opening 28. However, this risks disruption to the style that has been applied to the hair using the apparatus 10.

Instead, in the illustrated apparatus 10, the user is able to remove the barrel 11 from the enclosure 12 with the tress of hair remaining wrapped about the barrel 11. In particular, the barrel 11 is removable from the enclosure 12 by movement along the longitudinal axis 20 away from the enclosure 12 (i.e. through the end opening 47 of the enclosure 12). At the same time, because the lateral opening 28 and end opening 47 are contiguous (i.e. they adjoin one another), the tress of hair is also able to be removed from the enclosure 12 without first requiring it to be pulled through the lateral opening 28.

Once free of the enclosure 12, the barrel 11 and wrapped tress of hair can be separated by relative opposite movement along the longitudinal axis 20 (i.e. the wrapped hair can be slid off the distal end 22 of the barrel 11). The tapered shape of the barrel 11 facilitates such release of the wrapped hair. By removing the hair in this way, there is minimal disruption of the style applied to the hair using the apparatus 10.

Claims

1. A hair care apparatus comprising: a barrel having an outer surface; and an enclosure mountable to the barrel and comprising a sidewall extending around the barrel such that a hair-receiving space is defined between the sidewall and the barrel for accommodating hair wrapped around the outer surface of the barrel in use; wherein the sidewall of the enclosure comprises first and second wall portions moveable relative to one another between: an open position in which an opening is formed in the sidewall for the passage of hair into the hair-receiving space; and a clamping position in which hair extending through the opening is clamped between the first and second wall portions.

2. The hair care apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first and second wall portions are movable relative to one another in a circumferential direction around the barrel.

3. The hair care apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first and second wall portions are rotatable relative to one another about a longitudinal axis of the barrel.

4. The hair care apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the first and second wall portions are arranged concentrically with one another.

5. The hair care apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a cap that is moveably mounted at an end of the enclosure, the cap connected to the first or second wall portion such that the cap is moveable to move the first wall portion relative to the second wall portion.

6. The hair care apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the cap is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the barrel.

7. The hair care apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the cap comprises a heat insulative material.

8. The hair care apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a retaining portion configured to retain the first and second wall portions in the clamping position.

9. The hair care apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the retaining portion comprises a magnet or a snap engagement feature.

10. The hair care apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrel comprises a hair wrapping mechanism configured to draw hair onto and around the barrel.

11. The hair care apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the hair wrapping mechanism is provided by one or more fluid outlets, each arranged to discharge fluid across the outer surface of the barrel in a direction around the barrel.

12. The hair care apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the enclosure comprises a vent for venting fluid from the hair-receiving space.

13. The hair care apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the vent is formed in the first or second wall portion.

14. The hair care apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the barrel comprises a mounting portion configured to releasably mount the barrel to a hair care device.

15. A hair care system comprising a hair care apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and a hair care device comprising a device outlet and a fluid flow generator for supplying a flow of fluid to the device outlet, and wherein the hair care device is releasably mountable to the hair care apparatus such that the device outlet is in fluid communication with one or more fluid outlets provided on the barrel of the hair care apparatus.