Abstract
One aspect of the present invention provides a haircare device (10) configured for being used when styling hair. The hair care device comprising a hollow body (101), an air inlet (102) through which air can enter the hollow body, and a hair receiving portion (103) on the outside of the hollow body, wherein the hair receiving portion comprises multiple air outlets (104) through which In air can exit the haircare device. The haircare device further comprises a fan (105) configured for transporting air from the air inlet to the air outlets. The hair receiving portion comprises multiple slats (106) provided between respective pairs of air outlets under an obtuse angle with the hair receiving portion, wherein the slats and the air outlets are positioned along a straight line (109), and wherein the multiple slats have a substantially rounded surface (111) on the outside of the hollow body such that in use an airflow is generated that moves predominantly along the hair receiving portion along the straight line.
Claims
1. A haircare unit configured to be used when styling hair, the hair care unit comprising: a hollow body; an air inlet through which air can enter the hollow body; and a hair receiving portion on an outside of the hollow body, wherein the hair receiving portion comprises multiple air outlets through which the air can exit the hollow body, wherein the hair receiving portion further comprises multiple slats provided between respective pairs of air outlets under an obtuse angle with the hair receiving portion, wherein the slats and the air outlets are positioned along a straight line, and wherein the multiple slats have substantially rounded surfaces on the outside of the hollow body, such that in use an airflow is generated that moves predominantly along the hair receiving portion along the straight line.
2. The haircare unit according to claim 1, wherein the hair receiving portion is configured as a flat surface.
3. The haircare unit according to claim 1, wherein the hair receiving portion comprises bristles.
4. The haircare unit according to claim 1, wherein the hair receiving portion comprises multiple flat surfaces.
5. The haircare unit according to claim 1, wherein the hair receiving portion comprises a curved surface.
6. The haircare unit according to claim 1, wherein the generated airflow is substantially parallel to the straight line.
7. The haircare unit according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the slats are rotatable around an axis parallel to the hair receiving portion or wherein at least some of the slats are rotatable around an axis parallel to the respective slats.
8. A haircare device comprising: a haircare unit as claimed in claim 1, and a fan configured for transporting air from the air inlet to the air outlets.
9. The haircare device according to claim 8, further comprising a handle, wherein the hair-receiving portion is substantially parallel to the handle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a haircare device according to embodiments of the invention and
[0017] FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows a haircare device according to further embodiments of the invention and
[0018] FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows hair receiving portions according to embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a haircare device 10 according to embodiments of the invention. The haircare device 10 comprises a hollow body 101, and an air inlet 102 through which air can enter the hollow body. The haircare device further comprises a hair receiving portion 103 comprising multiple air outlets 104 through which air can exit the haircare device 10. The haircare device further comprises a fan 105 and preferably a heating element 107. The fan is configured for transporting air from the air inlet 102 to the air outlets 104. The heating element 107 is configured for heating the air. The hair receiving portion 103 comprises multiple slats 106. These slats 106 are arranged under an obtuse angle with the hair receiving portion 103. As shown in FIG. 1, the slats 106 are positioned along one straight line in the direction of arrows 109. The slats 106 have substantially rounded surfaces 111 on the outside of the hollow body such that in an airflow is generated that moves predominantly along the hair receiving portion in a direction parallel to the straight line of the hair receiving portion. The dominant direction of the air flow is indicated by arrows 109 and 110. Arrows 110 indicate the air exiting from the air outlets 104. Because of the above-explained coanda effect, the air predominantly sticks to the surface of the hair receiving portion 103. Arrows 109 indicate the air coming from the outside of the haircare device. This air is dragged along with the air from the air outlets 104.
[0020] FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows a haircare device 20 according to further embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2 the same numbering is used as in FIG. 1, although the first digit of the number is now referred to as “2” from FIG. 2. Like in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 depicts a hollow body 201, an air inlet 202, a hair receiving portion 203 comprising multiple air outlets 204, a fan 205, multiple slats 206 along a straight line. The slats 206 have a substantially rounded surface 211 on the outside of the hollow body. The haircare device 20 further comprises bristles 208, configured for brushing the hair. The haircare device 20 further comprises a handle 210. The handle 210 is substantially parallel to the hair receiving portion 203. The advantage of this arrangement is that it is very similar to an ordinary brush. The haircare device can therefore be used in a very similar manner as the ordinary brush. Because the generated airflow is substantially parallel to the hair receiving portion 203, the user may be capable to style his or her hair with one single hand and may not need a second hand to keep the hair close to the brush. Optionally, at least some of the slats 206 are rotatable around an axis parallel to the hair receiving portion 203. For example, some of the slats 206 may be closed to create a more focused airflow. Alternatively, the slats 206 may be opened under a different angle in order to alter the overall shape of the airflow. In this way, the airflow may be adapted to the desired hairstyle.
[0021] FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows hair receiving portions 30 according to embodiments of the invention. The hair receiving portion can take multiple shapes, like for example flat 312, convex 315, concave 316, or comprising multiple flat surfaces, resulting for example in a triangle shape 317. Although the shape of the hair receiving portion can vary, the slats are always arranged in straight lines 320. These lines indicate the predominant direction of the airflow.
[0022] Whilst the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustrations and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
