Detangling-Straightening Comb for Hairdryer or Blower Brush

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure include one or more of the following features;

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.

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

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, Twistand Twist, the variant in which the external portions of the tooth base are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the comb (Twistwith 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 (Twistwith γ=vertical=0°)

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.

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.

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.

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 configurationsC,D andB proved to be the most effective.

show different examples of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, the teeth of which are mounted on a movable carriage (,) 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.

More particularly,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 (), placed in a central position on the longitudinal axis of the comb.shows a three-dimensional view of this example,shows an exploded view, andand B show several sections through the accessory.

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 axisplaced in a lateral position.shows a three-dimensional view of such example,shows an exploded view, andand B show several sections through the accessory.

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, such as a “precision microdrive Pico Vibe 306-103.006” motor, placed in a central position relative to the longitudinal axis of the comb.shows a three-dimensional view of the above example,shows an exploded view, andand B show several sections through the accessory. The section also shows the presence of an elastic damperintended to absorb any contact between the support casingand the movable carriage.

illustrate an example of the detangling-straightening comb according to the present disclosure, wherein the movement is carried out by means of two motorsincluding 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, each carriage having a set of teeth.shows a three-dimensional view of this example,shows an exploded view, andand B show several sections through the accessory.

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 motorplaced eccentrically with respect to the air outlet axis of the hair dryer and to the air inlet into the accessory.

More particularly,represent a three-dimensional exploded view,represents a front view, andrepresent several sections through the comb mounted on the hair dryer. Detail B ofshows the low voltage electrical connections that supply power to the motor while allowing the accessory to continue its rotation on the hair dryer.

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

More particularly,represents a three-dimensional exploded view of, showing a side view and a top view, whilerepresents several sections through the blowing brush.

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 portionsand, 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.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.

, respectively, show a front perspective view and a plan view of the straightening combaccording to the present disclosure. The combcomprises an air inletintended to receive the air flow coming from an air outlet end of a hair dryer or a blower brush. The air inletof 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 supportholding a plurality of teethdistributed uniformly over the length of the support.

The air inlethas 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.

The air flow emitted by the hair dryer enters through the air inletand passes through the plurality of teeth, guided by the support. 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.

illustrates the side view of the combshowing the total height, Ld, of each tooth, 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, 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.

With reference to, the side view of the combshows the lateral shape of the tooth, 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.

illustrates the plan view of the comb, which shows the alignment of the teeth. In this embodiment, the wave profile at the base of the teeth includes a first curved portionlocated above the axis Y and a second curved portionsituated 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.

The combcomprises a plurality of teethconnected to the proximal base on the support side. In the diagrams illustrated in, and in the static version of the comb, the plurality of teethmay be molded and/or injected with the supportand the air inlet, 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.

illustrates the front view of the combwith six cross-sections through the length of the teeth, from the proximal base on the support sideto the tipon the distal side. Each tooth has a wave-shaped profile or an undulation, extending over the width of the support. 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 teethdecreases progressively from the base toward the tip until reaching a parallelepipedal cross-section illustrated in sections A-A, A-A, A-A, A-A, A-A, and A-A, respectively.

The detangling-straightening comb of the present disclosure can also be adapted for use on a blowing brush as shown in.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the teeth is greater on the proximal sidethan on the distal side. Indeed, as illustrated in, which is a longitudinal section of the comb along the axis Y, the thicknessof the tooth on the proximal side is greater than the thicknesson 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.

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. For the movements generated by motors with an off-center rod with respect to the motor shaft, the amplitude of movement may be of a few millimeters.

To set the comb in motion, a plurality of means may be contemplated, such as the use of a vibratorby an unbalanced motor or the use of one or a plurality of motorswith an off-center rod that are located in the accessory.show a plurality of embodiments for the implementation of a vibration movement along several axes.

The comb according to the present disclosure may also include two independent carriageson each side of the accessory, driven by a motorwith 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,,,,, etc. are fastened on a first carriage and the teeth,,,, etc. on a second carriage, where the two carriages can be set in motion at different amplitudes and frequencies.

In the configurations including a motor, a thermal protection wallseparating 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.