GB2640386A

GB2640386A - Apparatus and method for drying and styling hair

Info

Publication number: GB2640386A
Application number: GB2402788.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Wright Liam; Edward Ayscough Ben; William Norfolk Andrew; Alexander Weatherley Robert; Lane Ian; Gurung Sudeep; Harris Jessica
Original assignee: Jemella Ltd
Current assignee: Jemella Ltd
Priority date: 2024-02-27
Filing date: 2024-02-27
Publication date: 2025-10-22
Also published as: GB202402788D0; WO2025181484A1

Abstract

A hair drying or styling apparatus 10 comprising a handle portion 12 coupled to a head portion 16 having a base portion 22 in the form of a barrel, a first heater, preferably an infrared (IR) heater (42, fig.3), for heating a hair contacting surface of the barrel, and a second heater for heating a plurality of bristles 20 on the barrel, wherein the second heater comprises at least one of an infrared heater or an inductive heater, possibly including a conductive track or at least one coil wrapped around the bristles. The infrared heater extends with a non-uniform heat profile along a length of the barrel and with a heating filament (49, fig.5), surrounded by a glass enclosure, wound with a varying winding density. A plurality of infrared heaters heat a plurality of sectors of the porous barrel. A plurality of vent holes 40 block the line of sight to the infrared heater. The bristles are retractable beneath the barrel through openings (1120, fig.11b) and/or are mounted on rotatable plates (1405, fig.14a). Temperature is controlled based on a motion sensor and a humidity sensor. A semiconductor switching device controls an inrush current provided to the infrared heater.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Drying and Styling Hair The present invention relates to an apparatus for styling the hair of a person (or conceivably an animal), for example after washing the hair or as part of a styling process. That is to say, the hair may be wet (or "towel-dry") prior to use of the invention and may then be dried and styled using the invention. Alternatively, the device may be used to style dry hair. Such drying and styling of the hair may be performed by a user in respect of their own hair, for example, or by a hair stylist. It should also be noted that the term "wet" as used herein should be interpreted broadly, to encompass not only hair wetted by water, but also hair wetted by liquids other than water. For example, hair may be wetted by a solvent-based colourant, which the invention may be used to dry and/or style.

Conventional handheld hairdryers that incorporate an electrically powered motorised fan to blow a current of cool or hot air in order to dry a person's hair, are well known. The fan draws ambient air into the body of the hairdryer and blows the current of air towards the hair to be dried. When hot air is to be blown, typically an electric heating element, incorporated within the body of the hairdryer, is used to heat the current of air before it leaves the hairdryer. Optionally, the hairdryer may be equipped with a concentrator nozzle attachment to intensify and direct the current of air, or a diffuser attachment to deliver the air more gently.

However, conventional hairdryers can often be noisy, heavy, and bulky. Moreover, they can be awkward to use, and it can be difficult for a user (in particular a domestic user attending to their own hair) to achieve desired results, particularly in respect of styling the hair whilst drying it. For instance, a hairdryer will often be used simultaneously with a hairbrush or comb, or another piece of styling equipment, to style the hair during drying. The styling process may be, for example, to straighten the hair, or to provide "body and volume" to the hair (if necessary, preceded or succeeded by the application of styling products such as mousse, gel, wax, hairspray, etc.). Simultaneously manoeuvring a hairdryer and a brush (or a comb, etc.) around the head can be awkward for the user, and often requires a degree of skill to achieve the desired results.

Thus, whilst using a conventional hairdryer is the fastest method to dry hair, it can be very difficult and/or time-consuming to create a desired end result in respect of styling. To do this the user has to use a brush and/or additional hair styling tools.

As an alternative to conventional hairdryers, some people may use so-called "wet to straight" hair straighteners. These are used to both dry and straighten hair, by drawing wet hair between a pair of heated plates mounted on opposing arms of the device. These devices tend to use conductive heating at high temperatures (typically 185-230°C) on wet hair but can be damaging to hair, and/or may be perceived to be damaging to hair, due to sounds of cavitation (sizzle) or the use of elevated temperatures around the denaturation temperature of wet hair.

Hot air brushes may also be used to dry and style hair. Whilst this type of product combines drying and styling capability in a single hand-held device, these devices tend to be relatively slow at drying hair. Users may first dry the hair using a conventional hair dryer before switching to the hot air brush to perform the final drying and styling of the damp hair. Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient hair-styling device that removes or reduces the need for a separate device to dry the hair, that provides more efficient drying and styling of the hair, and that can be easily operated by the user.

A further problem that occurs with hot air brushes is uneven temperature distribution across the outer surface of the device. For example, a portion of the device that is loaded with wet or damp hair may cool relatively quickly, whilst an unloaded section of the device remains relatively hot. This temperature imbalance can result in reduced drying and styling performance. Therefore, there is a need for a hair styling device that more effectively balances the temperature distribution across the device.

The applicant has described in WO 2022/13866 a handheld hot airbrush that heats hair using hot air and conduction through a heated base portion. The base portion is heated by a heat exchanger that is heated by the hot air. The applicant has developed this product further and the inventions described herein are a result of that development work.

Summary of Invention

The present invention provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, a first heater for heating the hair contacting surface of the head portion, and a second heater for heating the plurality of bristles, wherein the second heater comprises at least one infrared, IR, heater or an inductive heater.

In an aspect the first heater comprises at least one conductive track that is configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through the at least one conductive track, and wherein the at least one conductive track is mounted in thermal contact with the hair contacting surface to heat the hair contacting surface by conductive heating.

In another aspect the second heater comprises at least one conductive track that is configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through the at least one conductive track, and wherein the at least one conductive track is mounted in thermal contact with the plurality of bristles to heat the plurality of bristles by conductive heating.

In another aspect the second heater comprises at least one coil that is configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through the at least one coil and wherein the at least one coil is wrapped around the plurality of bristles to heat the plurality of bristles by conductive heating. In another aspect the second heater comprises a plurality of coils, each coil being electrically connected together in series. In another aspect the second heater comprises a plurality of coils, each coil being electrically isolated from each other coil to allow independent control of each coil.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair, and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater extends along a length of the head portion and has a non-uniform heat profile along its length, and means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length by the at least one infrared heater.

In another aspect the means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises a selectively anodised or coated head portion. In another aspect the means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises providing a plurality of IR heaters serially connected, or individually controlled, along a length of the head portion. In another aspect the means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises thermally isolating ends of the head portion to minimise heat loss to the handle portion and a tip of the apparatus.

In another aspect, each IR heater of the plurality of IR heaters is independently controllable, and improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises adjusting a power of at least one of the IR heaters in dependence upon a sensed temperature of the hair contacting surface. For example, the heaters may be individually controlled to maintain a specific temperature of the base portion, which may be a lower minimum background temperature (e.g., 100 degrees C). Once hair is detected in certain areas/regions of the apparatus for styling, the IR heater in those areas/regions may be controlled to increase the temperature in those areas/regions.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater extends along a length of the head portion, wherein the IR heater comprises a heating filament that is wound along a length of the IR heater and wherein a winding density of the filament varies along the length of the IR heater to regularise a heating effect on the base portion by the at least one IR heater.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a barrel having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair, wherein the barrel is divided into plural sectors, and a plurality of infrared, IR, heaters for providing heat energy to cause the barrel to be heated, wherein a respective IR heater is provided for each sector of the barrel for heating a corresponding part of the hair contacting surface.

In another aspect the barrel is formed of an extruded thermally conductive material.

In another aspect the plurality of IR heaters are independently controlled.

In another aspect a respective temperature sensor is provided to sense the temperature of the hair contacting surface of each sector and wherein a controller is provided to control the heating provided by each IR heater in dependence upon the sensed temperature of the hair contacting surface in the corresponding sector.

In another aspect the plurality of IR heaters are provided centrally within an inner space of the barrel and wherein a heat shield is provided between adjacent IR 20 heaters.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair, and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater comprises at least one filament that generates radiative heat in response to an electrical current passing through it, and a glass enclosure surrounding the filament, wherein the glass enclosure is formed of toughened glass.

In another aspect the glass enclosure is made of Schott glass. In another aspect the filament is one of: a short-wave Tungsten filament, a fast medium wave Tungsten filament or a carbon fibre filament.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair, and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater comprises: at least one filament that generates radiative heat in response to an electrical current passing through it, and a glass enclosure surrounding the filament, wherein the glass enclosure is mounted within the head portion by a multi-spring suspension system that reduces impact forces on the IR heater.

In another aspect the IR heater is elongate and a multi-spring suspension system is provided at each end of the IR heater.

In another aspect the apparatus comprises a plurality of bristles that are externally mounted on the base portion. In another aspect the plurality of bristles are spring mounted on the base portion to absorb energy of impact forces on the IR heater. In another aspect the apparatus further comprises crumple zone features and/or dampers in the handle portion to absorb energy of impact forces on the IR heater.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair, at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, a plurality of vent holes in the base portion, and means for blocking line of sight to the IR heater through the plurality of vent holes.

In another aspect the means for blocking line of sight to the IR heater through the plurality of vent holes comprises a plurality of internal air channels, wherein each internal air channel is formed by a wall configured to block IR radiation from the at least one IR heater from passing through the internal air channel toward at least one of the plurality of vent holes.

In another aspect the means for blocking line of sight to the IR heater through the plurality of vent holes comprises a patterned coating applied to the at least one IR heater to selectively block IR radiation from being emitted from the at least one IR heater in a direction toward the plurality of vent holes.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, and a top surface of the base portion comprising a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of bristles, and wherein the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion.

In another aspect the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion via a rotational movement of the bristles actuated by a rotation of the handle portion. In another aspect the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion a rotational movement of the bristles. In another aspect the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion via a radial movement of the bristles actuated by a rotation of the handle portion. In another aspect plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion via an axial movement of the bristles actuated by a linear or rotary movement of the handle portion.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, and wherein subsets of the plurality of bristles are each mounted on a corresponding plate mounted on the base portion that is rotatable through 180 degrees, wherein a rotation of each plate is actuated by a rotation of the handle portion.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, at least one motion sensor to sense motion of the apparatus, at least one humidity sensing means to sense a humidity of the length of hair, and a controller to process data received from the at least one motion sensor and the at least one humidity sensing means, wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is stationary for a predetermined period of time and that the length of hair is dry, boosting a temperature of the hair contacting surface and/or plurality of bristles, wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is moving maintaining the temperature of the hair contacting surface and/or plurality of bristles or reducing the temperature of the of the hair contacting surface and/or plurality of bristles.

In another aspect in response to determining that the apparatus is stationary for a predetermined period of time and that the length of hair is dry, reducing an airflow from the base portion and, in response to determining that the apparatus is moving maintaining the airflow from the base portion or increasing the airflow from the base portion.

In another aspect the at least one humidity sensing means comprises at least one of: a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a capacitance sensor, or a combination thereof. In another aspect the at least one motion sensor comprises at least one of: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination thereof.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair, and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, and wherein the base portion is made of a porous material.

In another aspect the porous material is at least one of: sintered bronze, Duocel, Aluminium foam, and Alupor. In another aspect the porous material is configured with a pore size and/or pore density to provide a predetermined airflow backpressure through the base portion.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, and a semiconductor switching device to control an inrush current provided to the at least one IR heater during an initial heating up procedure of the at least one IR heater.

In another aspect the semiconductor switching device is a triac circuit.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, and wherein each bristle of the plurality of bristles is provided with safety means to prevent contact burns.

In another aspect the safety means to prevent contact burns comprises a nonconductive tip inserted into each bristle of the plurality of bristles and/or a non-conductive coating applied to each bristle of the plurality of bristles.

In another aspect the safety means to prevent contact burns comprises a nonconductive tip (e.g., a plastic bristle tip) over-moulded on each bristle of the plurality of bristles, wherein each bristle of the plurality of bristles is a metal bristle.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, and at least one temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the hair contacting surface of the base portion, wherein the at least one temperature sensor is provided with IR shielding means to protect the sensor from IR radiation.

In another aspect the IR shielding means comprises a material with a low emissivity. In other words, the IR shielding means comprises a reflective material capable of reflecting IR radiation.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion, a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair, at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, at least one motion sensor to sense motion of the apparatus, and a controller to process data received from the at least one motion sensor to determine a motion of the apparatus, wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is stationary for a predetermined period of time, switching the apparatus from an active to an idle mode, and wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is moving maintaining the apparatus in an active mode, or switching the apparatus to an active mode.

In another aspect in the idle mode, the controller controls a power to the at least one IR heater to reduce heat energy provided to the base portion. In another aspect in the idle mode, the controller controls a power to the at least one IR heater to stop providing heat energy to the base portion.

In another aspect in the idle mode, the controller controls a fan and/or air heater of the apparatus for hair styling. For example, the controller may control a power supplied to the fan and/or air heater. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller may be configured to turn down the fan and/or air heater when the apparatus is switched to its idle mode (e.g., when the apparatus is put down on a table). Furthermore, the controller may be configured to turn up the fan and/or air heater when the apparatus is switched to its active mode (e.g., when the apparatus is picked up and used).

In another aspect the at least one motion sensor comprises at least one of: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination thereof

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure la illustrates a perspective overview of a combined hair dryer/styler device (styler device'); Figure lb illustrates the device of Figure la when in use to dry and/or style hair; Figure 2a illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of a configuration of a base portion of the styler device of Figure 1a; Figure 2b illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of another configuration of a base portion of the styler device of Figure 1 a; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective and cut-away view of the base portion of the styler device of Figure la; Figure 4 illustrates another perspective and cut-away view of the base portion of the styler device of Figure la; Figure 5 illustrates another perspective and cut-away view of the base portion of the styler device of Figure la; Figure 6a illustrates another perspective and cut-away view of the base portion of the styler device of Figure 1 a; Figure 6b illustrates a zoomed-in portion of the base portion shown in Figure 6a; Figure 7a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a configuration of the IR heat source in the base portion of the styler device of Figure 1a; Figure 7b illustrates a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the IR heat source in the base portion of the styler device of Figure 1 a; Figure 7c illustrates a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the IR heat source in the base portion of the styler device of Figure 1 a; Figure 8a illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the base portion that illustrates a spring suspension system for supporting an IR heating source; Figure 8b illustrates a longitudinal cut-away view of the base portion shown in Figure 8a illustrating another view of the spring suspension system; Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another configuration of the base portion of the styler device of Figure I a showing internal air channels; Figure 10 illustrates a row of thermally conductive bristles for use in the styler device of Figure la; Figure lla illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with a first retractable bristle mechanism with bristles exposed; Figure lib illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with the first retractable bristle mechanism with bristles retracted; Figure 12a illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with a second retractable bristle mechanism with bristles exposed; Figure 12b illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with the second retractable bristle mechanism with bristles retracted; Figure 13a illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with a third retractable bristle mechanism with bristles exposed; Figure 13b illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with the third retractable bristle mechanism with bristles retracted; Figure 13c illustrates a cut-way perspective view of an axial mechanism used in the third retractable bristle mechanism; Figure 14a illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with a fourth retractable bristle mechanism with bristles exposed; Figure 14b illustrates a cut-way perspective view of the base portion with the fourth retractable bristle mechanism with bristles retracted; and Figure 15 is a block diagram of power and control circuitry used to control the hair dryer/styler device of Figure 1 a.

Overview An exemplary combined hair dryer/styler device will now be described in general terms, by way of example only, with reference to Figure la and 1 b.

Figure 1a illustrates a perspective overview of a combined hair dryer/styler device 10. The device 10 is operable to dry wet or damp hair, whilst also being operable to style the hair. The styling process may be, for example, to provide "body and volume" to the hair (if necessary, preceded or succeeded by the application of styling products such as mousse, gel, wax, hairspray, etc.).

The device comprises a main body (handle portion) 12 and a head portion 16. A control button or switch 14 may be provided on the device 10, to enable it to be turned on or off, together with an indicator light to show whether the power is on. A sound can also be played by a sound generator (not illustrated) when the device 10 is switched on and ready to use.

The head portion 16 comprises a base portion 22 that can be heated so that hair contacting the outer surface of the base portion 22 is heated to facilitate styling. The head portion 16 also has a relatively high thermal mass so that the head 16 can house an energy rich source (e.g., an IR bulb, cartridge heater, or the like) to deliver heat energy to the user's hair when in contact with the head 16. The thermal mass of the head portion is typically between 50 to 220 J/K (for example, 59 J/K for a head portion made of a metal (e.g., Aluminium alloy like ADC12) with e.g., a length of 32mm and a wall thickness of 2mm).

The head portion 16 also comprises a plurality of bristles 20 that protrude through openings in the base portion 22.

The bristles 20 guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16 and enables the user to have greater control over the styling of the hair. Moreover, the combination of heat transfer from the base portion 22, and the use of bristles enables the user to style the hair and enables a greater range of styling techniques to be used more easily. The bristles 20 may also prevent the user from touching the heated surface of the base portion 22. There may also be provided vent holes 40 in the base portion 22. Those vent holes 40 may be provided to allow the flow of air through, and from, the base portion 22.

Figure 1 b illustrates the device 10 when in use to dry and/or style hair. As illustrated in Figure 1 b, the device is a handheld and portable device.

In use, the outer surface of the base portion 22 transfers heat to the hair of the user by conduction as the hair passes over the surface of the head portion 16, enabling the user to more rapidly dry wet or damp hair. Typically, the temperature of the outer surface of the base portion 22 may be approximately 120 °C. This temperature enables efficient drying of wet or damp hair, whilst avoiding audible 'sizzle' and damage to the hair.

Traditionally, as shown in Figure 2a to heat the base portion 22 typically a conductive heater 24 (e.g., a ceramic heater or cartridge heaters) is located internally to the base portion 22. For example, the conductive heater may be located at a central location internally to the base portion 22, which is in turn in contact with, or connected to, an internal surface 26 of the base portion 22 via a fin 28 made of a heat conducting material (e.g., metal).

In use, the conductive heater, which is in contact with the fin, heats up the fin via conduction, which in turn then also heats up the internal surface of the base portion 22 (also by conduction).

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2b, the conductive heater may be in contact with, or connected to, the internal surface of the base portion 22 via a plurality of fins 28a-e made of a heat conduction material (e.g., metal). Similarly, to the scenario where only one fin is provided, in use the conductive heater, which is in contact with the fins, heats up the fins via conduction which in turn then also heats up the internal surface of the base portion 22 (also by conduction). Beneficially however, by providing a plurality of fins the heat provided to the base portion 22 may be more uniformly distributed around the surface of the base portion 22 thereby improving the overall heating of the base portion 22.

It will be appreciated that the plurality of fins 28 will typically be arranged to extend radially from the conductive heater to the surface of the base portion 22, however this does not preclude other possible arrangements of the fins where the conductive heater is not located centrally within the base portion 22.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that while only one conductive heater and set of fins are depicted in Fig. 2b, multiple heaters with their own corresponding plurality of fins may be provided along a length of the base portion 22 to beneficially ensure a more uniform heating effect along the whole length of the base portion 22.

In place of conductive heater(s), there may be provided one (or more) infrared (IR) heat source(s) 42 (e.g., IR bulb). An IR heat source provides heat in the form of electromagnetic radiation (also known as thermal radiation) with wavelengths in a range of 700 nanometres (nm) to 1 millimetre (mm).

It will be appreciated that there are several different possible configurations of such IR bulbs that may be used in the styler device 10, each with their own distinct advantages. For example, there may be provided one IR heat source such as a single IR bulb that extends the length of the base portion 22. Beneficially, unlike traditional heat sources that transmit heat by thermal conduction or thermal convection, a single IR bulb that extends the length of the base portion 22 will transmit its heat via thermal radiation which can propagate through a vacuum. As such the IR bulb does not have to be in physical contact with a surface of the base portion 22 to heat said base portion 22 and the fins shown in Figs. 2a & 2b do not need to be included, simplifying the manufacture of the base portion 22.

Alternatively, there may be provided a plurality of IR bulbs along the length of the base portion 22, each of the IR bulbs providing their own heat to heat the base portion 22. For example, there may be provided a one or more rows of IR bulbs along the length of the base portion 22. Additionally, or alternatively, there may also be provided IR bulbs offset from a central axis running along the length of the base portion 22 to allow different levels of heating to be provided to different sides of the base portion 22. Beneficially, by providing multiple IR bulbs as described above each individual IR bulb will transmit its own heat via thermal radiation to heat the base portion 22 thereby providing a more uniform distribution of heat along the length of the base portion 22 and/or on all sides of the base portion 22.

Alternatively, rather than providing a plurality of IR bulbs along the length of the base portion 22, a single IR bulb may be provided, but which is configured so that the filament (e.g., coil windings) within the IR bulb is arranged to be wound in a nonuniform manner along the length of the IR bulb. For example, a greater density (concentration) of coil windings may be provided in certain areas of IR bulb (e.g., the ends of the IR bulb) compared with the density of coil windings in other areas of the IR bulb, thereby forming an IR bulb that radiates heat non-uniformly. Beneficially, such filaments may be designed to control the power output of the IR bulb along certain areas of the base portion 22 thereby causing a more even distribution of heat along the length of the base portion 22.

Alternatively, or additionally, an inside surface of the base portion 22 (e.g., a surface proximal to the IR bulb) may be configured (e.g., by anodisation techniques) to adjust the heat absorption abilities of certain areas of the base portion 22. Beneficially, such adaption of the heat absorption abilities of certain areas of the base portion 22 may assist in ensuring a more even distribution of heat along the length of the base portion 22.

Alternatively, or additionally, rather than providing a plurality of IR bulbs concentrically along the length of the base portion 22, IR bulbs may be provided non-concentrically along the length of the base portion 22 to allow independent heating control of different sides of the base portion 22. For example, two rows of IR bulbs may be provided facing opposite sides of the base portion 22 to allow selective control of the heating of one side of the base portion 22 over the other side. For example, different rows of IR bulbs (or individual IR bulbs) may be controllable to allow a differential heating effect such that different sides of the base portion receive more heat than others. Beneficially, such individual control of the IR bulbs may allow for the compensation of excessive cooling on one side of the base portion over another due to one side of the base portion being loaded with a greater amount of hair, wetter hair, or the like.

In addition to the IR bulb arrangements described above, there may also be provided an IR bulb suspension system that secures and suspends the one or more IR bulbs in the base portion 22. It will be appreciated that there are several different possible configurations of such a suspension system, one of which is described in more detail below. Beneficially by securing the IR bulb(s) in a suspension system, the durability of the IR bulb(s) is enhanced as such a suspension system helps to absorb shocks and reduces the chances of the IR bulb(s) breaking.

In addition to the IR bulb arrangements and IR bulb systems described above the styler device 10 may be provided with retractable bristles which beneficially allows the device to used like a traditional hair curler. It will be appreciated that there are several different possible configurations for implementing retractable bristles in the styler device 10. For example, the bristles may be retractable using a rotary-type mechanism wherein bristles of the styling device 10 extend from the base portion 22 through openings in a top surface of the base portion 22 in response to rotating an Is element of the styling device 10 such as its handle. In such a scenario, the bristles may be arranged on sets of rails that allow the rotation of entire sets of bristles in response to rotating the handle of the styling device 10.

Alternatively, the bristles may be retractable using a radial-type mechanism wherein bristles of the styling device 10 extend from the base portion 22 through openings in a top surface of the base portion 22 in response to rotating an element of the styling device 10 such as its handle. In such a scenario, the bristles may also be arranged on sets of rails that allow the radial movement of entire sets of bristles in response to rotating the handle of the styling device 10.

Alternatively, the bristles may be retractable using an axial-type mechanism wherein bristles of the styling device 10 extend from the base portion 22 through openings in a top surface of the base portion 22 in response to pushing/pulling an element of the styling device 10 such as its handle. In such a scenario, the bristles may also be arranged on sets of rails that allow the axial movement of entire sets of bristles in response to rotating the handle of the styling device 10.

Alternatively, the bristles may be retractable using an epicyclic-type mechanism wherein bristles of the styling device 10 are arranged along the length of a plurality of plates that are in turn arranged atop of the base portion 22 in an elevated arrangement.

Beneficially, by providing one of the bristle retraction mechanisms described above, the bristles of the styler device 10 may be stored away when not in use. That in turn reduces the amount of space that the styler device 10 takes up during storage. In addition, the ability to store the bristles away as described, a user may be able to use the styler device 10 to style their hair without the use of bristles, for example when the base portion 22 is used as a curling device.

Detailed Description

Each of the configurations and arrangements outlined above will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 15.

Figure 3 illustrates a cut-away view of the base portion of the combined hair dryer/styler device of Figure 1 a As shown in Figure 3, by way of example only, there is provided a single IR heat source (bulb) 42 concentrically located inside the base portion 22 of the hair dryer/styler device 10 (hereafter referred to as the styler device 10' for simplicity). The IR heat source 42 is secured in place by a securing means 44a and 44b at either end of the base portion 22 that ensures that the IR bulb 42 remains concentrically located within the base portion 22. The securing means may be any appropriate type of ridged structure that rigidly secures the IR bulb in place.

Alternatively, the securing means may be a spring-loaded type of securing means that allows lateral movement of the IR bulb 42 in the base portion. Irrespective of the securing means used, the securing means is also configured to allow electrical connection of the IR bulb 42 to a power source.

Beneficially, as shown in Figure 3, as the IR heat source 42 provides heating through thermal radiation that can propagate through a vacuum, the IR heat source (e.g., an IR bulb) does not need to be in physical contact with the internal surface 26 of the base portion 22 to heat it. Instead, radiation is emitted uniformly from IR heat source 42 in all directions which in turn propagates toward the curved surface of the base portion (as shown by the arrows), and heats that internal surface 26. As the internal surface 26 is heated by thermal radiation emitted from the IR heat source 42, rather than via thermal conduction, there is no need to provide conductive elements such as the fins 28 shown in Figures. 2a and 2b to physically connect the heat source to the internal surface 26 of the base portion 22. Beneficially, this reduces the materials used and simplifies the manufacturing process of the base portion 22.

Furthermore, IR heat source 42 is able to apply a high power of radiative energy (e.g., 500 Watts (W)) to the curved internal surface 26 of the base portion 22 within a few seconds (e.g., 1-2 seconds) compared to conductive heater(s), thereby providing improved warm up times for the base portion 22.

It will be appreciated that the use of an IR heat source 42 is also beneficial over a conductive heater because to heat the curved internal surface 26 of the base portion 22 using a conductive heater, a curved conductive heater would need to be used. However, such curved heaters tend to have a high thermal mass -meaning that they are slow to heat up and cool down. The thermal mass of the IR heat source 42 however may be kept to a minimum providing they have a high emissivity surface, where emissivity is a measure of the effectiveness of a surface of a material at emitting energy as thermal radiation.

However, as shown in Figure 3, by using a single IR heat source 42 concentrically located in the base portion 22, the heating of the curved internal surface 26, although improved as described above, may not be uniform along the length of the base portion (shown by gradient shading of the internal surfaces 26 of the base portion 22). Specifically, the actively heated part of a typical IR bulb 42 will typically be shorter in length than the corresponding length of the base portion 22 that is being heated. Which means that a central section 26a of the base portion 22 becomes hotter than the end sections 26b of the base portion 22. This in turn can result in issues when styling hair using the base portion 22 and may result in a non-uniform styling effect. Furthermore, the non-uniform distribution of heat along the length of the base portion 22 may be exacerbated by the base portion 22 being connected to the handle portion 12 and a tip of the styling device 10, which will be colder than the base portion. In particular, if the handle portion 12 and/or tip of the hair styling device are made of materials that facilitate heat conduction, heat from the base portion 22 may be dissipated through those parts of the hair styling device 10 resulting in a loss of heat energy from the base portion 22. This non-uniform heating issue may however be addressed in numerous different ways -as explained below.

For example, as shown in Figure 4, a plurality of IR heat sources 42a-c located concentrically within, and distributed sequentially along the length of, the base portion 22 may be provided. The plurality of IR heat sources 42a-42c are secured in place by a respective set of securing means 44a-b, 44c-d, 44e-f that ensures that the IR heat sources 42a-42c remain concentrically located within the base portion 22. The securing means 4444a-b, 44c-d, 44e-f may be any appropriate type of ridged structure that rigidly secures the IR bulb in place. Alternatively, the securing means 44a-b, 44c-d, 44e-f may be a spring-loaded type of securing means that allows for lateral movement of the IR bulbs 42a-c in the base portion 22. Irrespective of the securing means used, the securing means is also configured to allow the electrical connection of the IR heat sources 42a-42c to a power source.

Each of the IR heat sources 42a-42c of the plurality of heat sources may be configured to be controllable independently of one another with corresponding temperature/heat sensors (not shown) provided along the base portion 22 adjacent the corresponding IR heat source 42a, 42b, 42c. For example, there may be provided temperature sensors (not shown) along the length of the base portion 22 that are operable to sense a temperature of the base portion 22 opposite each of IR heat sources 42a-42c. In the example of IR heat sources, the temperature sensors may be infrared temperature sensors. However, it will be appreciated that other types of sensors are possible. For example, the sensors may be negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensors (not shown). However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable type of temperature sensor may be used.

It will be appreciated that some temperature sensors may be damaged and/or may not provide accurate readings if the temperature sensors are exposed to large amounts of IR radiation and/or direct line of sight IR radiation from an IR heater. As such, it may be necessary to provide such temperature sensors with a form of IR shielding. For example, the temperature sensors may be shielded (and/or enclosed) by a material that has a low emissivity, or a highly reflective material that is capable of reflecting IR radiation away from the temperature sensor.

The electrical power supplied to one or more of the plurality of IR heat sources 42a-42c may be controlled by a controller (e.g., a microcontroller) based on temperature readings from one or more of the temperature sensors located along the length of the base portion 22 to regulate the temperature of the base portion 22. Beneficially, the plurality of temperature sensors may be provided in the head portion 16 to detect non-uniform decreases in temperature that occur on the base portion 22 when the head portion 16 is loaded unevenly with wet or damp hair and a controller then uses this information to vary the power supplied to each IR heat source 42 to heat those parts that are loaded with hair more than the parts of the base portion 22 that are unloaded with hair.

Alternatively, or additionally, each of the IR heat sources 42a, 42b, 42c of the plurality of heat sources may be configured to be controllable as one unit such that the power supplied to the plurality of IR heat sources is uniformly increased/decreased by the controller based on temperature readings from the temperature sensors located along the length of the base portion 22 to regulate the temperature of the base portion 22.

For example, at the initial switch on of the hair styling device, it may be beneficial to control the plurality of IR heat sources 42a-42c as one unit such that the power supplied to the plurality of IR heat sources is uniformly increased to provide uniform heating of the base portion 22. Furthermore, when the hair styling device is switched on, but not being used, the IR heat sources 42a-42c may be controlled uniformly to maintain the temperature of the base portion 22. During switch off of the hair styling device, it may be beneficial to control the plurality of IR heat sources 42a-42c as one unit such that the power supplied to the plurality of IR heat sources is uniformly decreased.

Figure 5 illustrates a cut-away view of an alternative base portion 22 of the combined styler device of Figure 1 a. As shown in Figure 5, by way of example only, a single IR bulb 42 may be provided concentrically inside the base portion 22. That IR bulb secured in place in the base portion by a set of securing means 44a, 44b and is shown as having a filament 49 that comprises a number of windings. The windings of the filament 49 are shown as having a greater winding density (Le., a greater number of windings) at the ends of the IR bulb 42 compared to the winding density in the centre of the IR bulb 42. By configuring the IR bulb 42 in this manner, more heat will be provided in the end sections 26b of the base portion 22 than before, helping to facilitate a more even heating of the base portion 22 along its length.

Beneficially, by providing an IR bulb 42 as described above, the distribution of heat along the length of the base portion 22 can be passively (rather than actively) controlled. That is to say, there is no need for a plurality of bulbs along the length of the base portion 22 each independently controlled to ensure an even heating along the length of the base portion 22.

Figure 6a illustrates a cut-away view of another form of the base portion 22 of the combined styler device of Figure l a. As shown in Figure 6a a single IR heat source 42 (or a plurality of IR heat sources 42 -not shown) having a filament that is uniformly wound along the length of the base portion 22 may be provided, with the internal surface 26 of the base portion being adapted/configured to increase uniformity of heating from the IR heat source 42.

For example, at least one internal surface 26a, 26b of the base portion 22 may be selectively anodised or coated with an anodised or coated layer 62a, 62b (In Figure 6a both internal surfaces are shown to be anodised, however it will be appreciated that this is by way of example only, and that only one internal surface may be anodised in other scenarios). Anodisation is an electrolytic passivation process used to create and/or increase the thickness of a natural oxide layer on the surface of a metal (e.g., aluminium) i.e., on the surface of the base portion 22. By providing a natural oxide layer on selected portions of the surface the base portion 22, the ability of that portion of the base portion 22 to absorb the IR heat increases compared to the parts of the base portion 22 that have not been so coated/anodised. Thus, the natural non-uniform distribution of heating by the IR bulb 42 (see the description of Figure 3 above) can be compensated by the selective anodisation of the base portion 22. In particular, by anodising the end sections 26b of the base portion 22 and by not anodising the central section 26a of the base portion 22 (as illustrated in Figure 6b by the different stippling), a more uniform heating of the base portion 22 can be achieved.

Thus, although the central section 26a would normally be heated up to a greater extent than the end sections 26b of the base portion 22, due to the location of the IR heat source 28 and the higher IR absorptivity of the end sections 26b of the base portion 22 compared with the central section 26a, the end sections 26b of the base portion 22 will absorb more IR heat from the IR heat source 42 than they would without the anodised layer and this helps to achieve a more uniform heating of the base portion 22 along its length.

Selective anodisation of the curved surface of the base portion 22, may be achieved via any suitable anodisation process that will be known to the person skilled in the art. By way of example only, the anodisation may be carried out by dipping each respective end of the base portion 22 in an anodising bath, leaving the central section 26a clear of the anodising solution in the anodising bath, thereby forming two continuous anodised sections of the surface of the base portion 22 separated by a central section 26a free of anodisation.

Alternatively, the anodisation may be performed using a mask pattern. For example, a mask comprising a pattern may be applied to the inside of the base portion to the internal surface of the base portion 22. The pattern of the mask may be configured so as to cover/protect the central section 26a of the internal surface, while exposing all other sections of the internal surface. Once the mask is applied, the base portion 22 may be placed in an anodising bath to anodise those sections of the internal surface of the base portion 22 that are not covered/protected by the mask. Once the anodisation process is complete, the mask may be peeled off the internal surface, leaving behind an unanodisaed central section 26a of the internal surface with anodised sections either side thereof.

Beneficially, by using the mask procedure described above, the pattern of the mask may be configured such that the level of anodisation varies gradually from the bare central section 26a to the end sections 26b of the surface. For example, the pattern of the mask may be configured such that the ends of the internal surface either side of the central section 26a are increasingly anodised as a function of distance from the central section 26a. Beneficially, using a mask thus enables a finer level of control of the anodisation of the internal surface of the base portion 22, which in turn ensures a more uniform temperature along the length of the base portion 22.

Figure 6b illustrates a zoomed-in portion of the base portion 22 shown in Figure 6a. As shown in Figure 6b by way of example only, during selective anoidisation of the internal surface 26a of the base portion 22, an anodised or coated layer 62a is formed or deposited on the internal surface 26a. That anodised or coated layer 62a, as shown in Figure 6b, may be a patterned layer such that the level of anodisation varies gradually from a central section 26a of the internal surface 26a to the end sections 26b of the internal surface 26a.

Additionally, to help ensure that the end sections 26b of the base portion 22 do not have a significantly different temperature from the central section 26a of the base portion 22, it may be beneficial to thermally isolate the base portion 22 from the handle portion 12 and tip of the hair styling device so that heat is not lost through the handle portion 12 or tip. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such thermal isolation may be achieved by any appropriate thermal isolating means. For example, a thermally isolating layer/material (e.g., fiberglass, aerogel etc.) may be provided at each end of the base portion 22 to isolate it from the handle portion 12 or tip.

Base portion material All of the examples above describe the concentric arrangement of one or more IR heat sources 42 along a length of the base portion 22. The arrangements described beneficially provide a uniform heating/temperature along the length of the base portion 22. That heat in turn may be used to style and/or dry a user's hair by, for example, running the head portion 16 of the styling device through the hair.

Furthermore, as heating of the base portion 22 is provided in the above examples by one or more IR heat sources 42, the material that the base portion 22 can be manufactured from may be different from that typically used in conventional styler devices previously available on the market. The capability of IR to heat any surface with line of sight of the IR heat source means that materials that may otherwise prove difficult to heat may be used.

For example, when IR heat sources 42 are used as the source of heat, the base 30 portion 22 may be made from a porous media e.g., sintered bronze, Duocel® Aluminium foam, AluporTM, and the like. It will be appreciated that the porous materials named herein are by way of example only, and that any suitable porous material may be used for the base portion 22. Such porous materials beneficially have capillary action capabilities and thus water from a user's wet hair can be drawn by capillary action into the surface of the porous material and then evaporated by the heat experienced by the porous material from the IR bulb 42. This in turn increases the drying rate of the user's hair. Furthermore, such porous materials may also be treated to prevent hair snagging on the material. For example, the porous material may be treated with a low-friction coating. Additionally, or alternatively, the porous material may also be sanded down during manufacture to smooth out rough edges on the surface of the porous material.

Additionally, the pore sizes of such porous materials may be selected to offer a desired airflow backpressure, thereby ensuring a more uniform diffuse airflow from the porous material along the length, irrespective of the presence of a user's hair on the surface of the base portion 22.

IR Heating in Use It will be appreciated that the arrangements of IR heat sources 42 described above provide a uniform heating/temperature along the length of the base portion 22 in isolation (i.e., when a load is not applied to the base portion). However, during use of the styler device 10, the application of a load (e.g., hair) to one side of the base portion 22 of the styler device 10 may result in that side cooling down whilst the other side of the base portion remains hot.

As shown in Figure 7a, when in use, a user may dry and/or style their hair using only one side of the head portion 16 (and thus one side of the base portion 22) of the styling device repeatably (labelled 'Side in use' in Figure 7a). Such repeated use of only one side of the head portion 16 means that the load across the head portion 16 (and thus the base portion 22) is uneven, and consequently the side of the base portion 22 that is being repeatedly used will cool down much more than the side(s) that is not being used (shown in Figure 7a by shading). Even if the IR heating is continuously applied, the side of the base portion 22 that is being repeatedly used will still cool down while the other side(s) of the base portion 22 maintain a constant temperature. This is because the provision of the concentrically located IR bulb(s) 42 as previously described results in heat energy being applied to the base portion 22 in a uniform manner which does not take account of the greater dissipation of heat from one side of the base portion 22 compared to the other side because of the particular way in which the device is being used by the end user.

As shown in Figures 7b and 7c, two or more IR heat sources 42a-42d may be provided that are located next to one another and off-centre inside the base portion 22. In Figure 7b two IR heat sources 42a and 42b are provided next to each other along the short axis of the oval cross-section of the base portion 22, while in Figure 7c four IR heat sources 42a, 42b, 42c and 42d are provided next to each other, two located along the short axis and two located along the long axis of the oval cross-section of the base portion 22. It will be appreciated that other possible numbers and arrangements of IR heat sources 42 in the base portion 22 are possible and that Figures 7b and 7c are given by way of example only.

In both Figures 7b and 7c, the IR heat sources 42 are separated from each other by a heat shield 94 such that each IR heat source 42 heats one side/section of the base portion 22. Each of the IR heat sources 42 may be independently controlled from one another by a controller (e.g., a microcontroller) based on a sensed temperature of the side/section of the base portion 22 that is being heated by that IR heat source 42 to achieve a uniform temperature of the base portion 22 regardless of which side of the device 10 is being actively used by the user.

For example, as shown in Figure 7b, in response to brushing their hair using only one side of the styler device 10, that side of the base portion 22 will dissipate heat quicker than the any other sides of the base portion 22. To prevent an uneven temperature around the curved surface of the base portion 22, the IR heat source 42a may be controlled independently of IR source 42b (e.g., the IR heat source 42a may be switched on, or a greater power may be supplied to it than the power supplied to the IR heat source 42b) to heat up the side of the base portion 22 in use and compensate for any heat loss in that side of the base portion 22 that may have occurred due to the user applying their hair to it. That in turn ensures a uniform temperature of the base portion 22, and thus improves the user's experience.

Similarly, for example, as shown in Figure 7c, to prevent an uneven temperature around the curved surface of the base portion 22, the IR heat source 42a may be controlled independently of IR sources 42b, 42c. 42d. (e.g., the IR heat source 42a may be switched on, or a greater power may be supplied to it than the power supplied to the other IR heat sources) to heat up the side of the base portion 22 in use and compensate for any heat loss in that side of the base portion 22 that may have occurred due to the user applying their hair to it. That in turn ensures a uniform temperature of the base portion 22, and thus improves the user's experience.

Furthermore, to assist with the control of the IR heat sources 42, temperature sensors 92a, 92b such as those previously described may be provided around the base portion 22 to detect changes in temperature of different sections of the base portion 22 during use of the hair styling device. Based on a detected change in temperature, the controller (to which the sensors are coupled) may control one or more of the IR heat sources 42a, 42b as previously described to ensure the uniformity of the temperature of the base portion 22.

It will be appreciated that the number and arrangement of IR heat sources 42 and temperature sensors 92 shown in Figures. 7b and 7c are by way of example only, and that other possible arrangements are possible.

In the description above with reference to Figures 3 to 7 it will be appreciated that IR heat source(s) 42 described may be any appropriate IR heat source(s) 42. By way of example only, the IR heat source(s) 42 may be an IR bulb. An IR bulb (also referred to an as IR lamp) may, for example, take the form of an incandescent light bulb that emits IR radiation, or a solid-state light emitting diode (which typically produce near-monochromatic infrared light). In the case of an incandescent IR light bulb, a filament (typically tungsten) within a glass bulb may be provided which, when heated to a high temperature produces IR radiation. Such filaments typically comprise of a varying number of windings, and those varying number of windings may also be concentrated at different positions along the length of the filament. Such IR bulbs will now be described in more detail.

IR Bulbs IR bulb materials In the description above, it will be appreciated that any appropriate IR heat source(s) 42 may be used. The following section however relates to scenarios where the IR heat source(s) is/are specifically IR bulbs.

As already described incandescent IR bulbs 42 typically consist of a metal filament (e.g., tungsten) that heats up and emits IR radiation upon the passage of a current through the filament. The filament is typically encased, usually within glass. The bulb is also provided with electrical connection means to connect the filament to an electrical power supply. Typically, the glass used is quartz glass, although other possible forms of glass are not precluded.

IR bulbs that use quartz glass are typically fragile and may easily break under stress.

For example, if a user were to accidently drop the hair styling device 10, the force of the device hitting the ground may result in the breakage of, for example, any endcaps of the IR bulb, the glass encasing the filament of the IR bulb, and/or the filament of the IR bulb.

The potential breakage of any of the elements that make up the IR bulb may pose health and safety issues for the user. For example, the breakage of the glass may result in lots of small glass fragments that may be able to come into contact with the user creating a potential for the user to suffer from cuts and the like. Furthermore, even when the glass is broken, the filament of the bulb may remain electrically connected which may be dangerous if the user is able to come into contact with the filament (which may be very hot if the styling device has recently been used.

To try to prevent the breakage of the IR bulb, the bulb may be manufactured specifically to increase the durability of both the glass and the filaments used so as to increase the likelihood of the IR bulb withstanding the dropping of the hair styling device. For example, the glass used may be a glass-ceramic composite (e.g., SchottTM Glass). Glass-ceramic composites are polycrystalline materials produced through controlled crystallization of base glass, which results in the production of a fine uniform dispersion of crystals throughout the bulk material. Such composites typically have high strength and toughness. They may have other beneficial properties for use in IR bulbs such as low thermal expansion and high temperature stability. It will be appreciated that the use of glass ceramic composites in place of quartz glass is only given by way of example, and that any appropriate material may be used that has a high strength and toughness, as well as a good emissivity.

To try to prevent the breakage of the filament in the IR bulb, the filament may be configured such that it has high strength and toughness. Typically, the filament in an IR bulb is a short-wave Tungsten filament. These types of filaments typically emit IR radiation in the wavelength range of 750 nm to 1.4 pm and are capable of providing a very high-power density (e.g., 500 W) in a small space such as the inside of the base portion 22 described. These types of filaments may also have very rapid heat up times and responsiveness which beneficially allows for the accurate control and regulation of the temperature of the base portion 22. However, short wave Tungsten filaments are brittle and thus snap easily upon dropping of the hair styling device. As such other filaments may be used to address these issues.

For example, in place of a short-wave Tungsten filament, the IR bulb may be designed with a fast response medium-wave Tungsten (FRMW) filament. A FRMW filament has a unique helical winding that is designed to allow more energy to be distributed in the medium wavelength range (e.g., between 1.4 pm and 3 pm). The helical winding in such filaments are capable of providing lower-power density than that of short-wave Tungsten filaments in a small space such as the inside of the base portion 22 described. Furthermore, FRMW filaments have much slower heat up times and responsiveness compared to short-wave Tungsten filaments. However, beneficially, due to the star-like shape of the filament, it has a much greater durability than that of the short-wave Tungsten filament, and thus is much more likely to survive the hair styling device being dropped.

Alternatively, in place of a short-wave Tungsten filament, the IR bulb may be designed with a carbon fibre filament. IR bulbs manufactured with Carbon fibre filaments are capable of providing lower-power density than that of short-wave Tungsten filaments in a small space such as the inside of the base portion 22 described. Carbon fibre filaments have a heat up time and responsiveness that are fairly similar to that of the short-wave Tungsten filaments due to the low specific heat capacity of the carbon fibre filament. Beneficially, due to the material properties and the weaving of the carbon fibre filament, the carbon fibre filament has a much greater durability than that of a short-wave Tungsten filament, and thus is much more likely to survive the hair styling device being dropped.

As will be appreciated, the selection of the filament for use in the IR bulb for the hair styling device is a compromise between the durability requirements of the filament, 5 and the power levels and heating up response times needed to ensure proper and efficient functioning of the hair styling device.

It can be seen from the description above that the short-wave Tungsten filament is the optimum filament for ensuring proper and efficient functioning of the hair styling device, however its lack of durability means that it can be easily broken upon dropping the device. As such it may be beneficial to provide a support system within the base portion 22 that supports the IR bulb and can absorb/compensate for the shock that may occur when the hair styling device is dropped.

IR bulb suspension systems Additionally, or alternatively to selecting the filament of the IR bulb to prevent (or at least reduce) the chances of breakage of the filament in the IR bulb thereby improving the lifetime of the IR bulb, the IR bulb may be secured in the base portion 22 of the styler device 10 using a suspension system as described below.

Figure 8a is a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternative base portion 22 that has a spring suspension system 82 for supporting the IR heating source (e.g., an IR bulb) 42 within the base portion 22, that can reduce the impact of forces experienced by the IR bulb 42 in the styler device 10. As seen in Figure 8a, the spring suspension system 82 may be a multi-spring suspension system having a plurality of springs 84 in varying orientations and positions with respect to the IR bulb 42 and the base portion 22. By way of example only, as shown in Figure 8a, the IR bulb 42 inside the base portion 22 may be supported within the base portion 22 between two springs 84a and 84b that connect at one end to a bulb holder 86a, 86b (which in turn holds the neck of the IR bulb 42) and at the other end to a respective foot 90a, 90b positioned on the inside surface of the base portion 22. The springs 84 allow lateral movement of the IR bulb 42 in the event of base portion 22 being knocked such as would happen if the hair styling device 10 is dropped. In the example in Figure 8a the IR bulb 42 is held concentrically within the base portion 22 by the bulb holder 86 and the springs 84, however it will be appreciated that where there are multiple IR bulbs provided as described above, the IR bulbs may not be secured concentrically within the base portion 22. In this case springs of different lengths would be provided to hold the IR bulbs within the base portion at the correct position.

Figure 8b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base portion shown in Figure 8a showing in more detail the spring suspension system 82 that is used for supporting the IR heating source 42 in the base portion 22 of the combined hair dryer/styler device 10 of Figure la. As can be seen from Figure 8b, the IR bulb 42 is supported within the base portion 22 by two pairs of springs 84a, 84b and 84c, 84d that support opposing ends of the IR bulb 42 within the base portion 22. The four springs 84 may provide a spring rate -a measure of the stiffness of a spring -of between 5 to 25 N/mm. The spring rate is also known as the spring constant. It will be appreciated that the spring rate of the springs 84 used in the described spring suspension system will vary and is dependent on the number of springs used in the system. Where there are lots of springs that are able to compensate for the impact of forces seen by an IR bulb, the spring rate of the springs used may be less than if, for example, only two springs are used.

The example spring suspension system described above comprises four springs arranged to compensate for the impact of forces on the IR bulb 42. However, it will be appreciated that Figures 8a and 8b are by way of example only, and that there may be any number of springs 84 provided depending on e.g., the number of IR bulbs being used, and the position and orientation of those IR bulbs within the base portion 22. For example, the spring suspension system may comprise two, three, four, or more springs as necessary to help compensate for the impact of forces seen by the IR bulb(s) in the base portion 22.

It will also be appreciated that the spring suspension system described is only one possible mechanism for reducing the impact of forces seen by an IR bulb in the styler device 10. For example, alternatively or additionally, there may be provided crumple zone features to reduce the impact of forces seen by the IR bulb. Crumple zone features may be any type of structural feature that increases the time over which a change in velocity (and consequently momentum) occurs in material in response to an impact (e.g., an impact with the floor when the hair styling device is dropped). In other words, crumple zones are designed to absorb impact energy experienced during an impact so that most of the energy is dissipated across the crumple zone. Accordingly, crumple zone features may be provided in the styler device 10 so that upon dropping the hair styling device, the energy transferred to the device during an impact with e.g., a floor is dissipated across the crumple zone features rather than the base portion 22 and thus the IR bulb therein.

Alternatively, or additionally, there may also be provided dampers in the handle portion 12 of the hair styling device to absorb some of the impact forces seen by the device upon it being dropped.

IR bulb safety Improvements to the styling device 10 are described above, including (but not limited to) the use of IR heating sources 42 to improve the heat distribution of the base portion 22 of the styling device 10. However, the incorporation of such IR heat sources 42 in the styler device 10 may require user safety considerations and adaptations to be made.

Where the heating of the base portion 22 is achieved by radiation produced by an IR bulb 42 it will be appreciated that considerations need to be made as to how to protect the user, in particular their eyes. One of the most common eye diseases associated with near-infrared radiation is cataracts, and prolonged exposure to IR radiation can cause a gradual and irreversible opacity of the lens of the eye. Other forms of damage to the eye from IR exposure include scotoma, which is a loss of vision due to damage to the retina. Even low-level IR absorption can cause symptoms such as redness of the eye, swelling, or haemorrhaging. It is therefore important to ensure that IR radiation from any IR bulbs incorporated into the base portion 22 of the styler device 10 are not arranged such that they may be in the line of sight of a user when using the styler device 10.

Where the base portion 22 of the hair styling devices has vent holes 40 (as shown in Figure 1a) to allow the flow of air through, and from, the base portion 22, the vent holes 40a-40d may provide an opening through which the IR radiation from the IR source may pass. Furthermore, where the styler device 10 has a plurality of bristles that protrude through openings in the base portion 22, IR radiation from the IR source may also pass through those openings for the bristles 20.

Figure 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative base portion 22 of the styler device 10 of Figure 1a with an arrangement that prevents a direct line of sight to the IR bulb 42. As shown in Figure 9, there is provided a plurality of internal air channels 920a-920d formed by a wall (or walls) that enclose a region of the inside of the base portion 22 and separate that region from the IR heat source 42. The internal air channels 920a-920d may, by way of example only, each be formed by a first and a second wall. The first wall of the internal air channels 920 may be proximal to the IR heat source 42 and may be made of a material that reflects incident IR radiation on the material. Alternatively, or additionally, the first wall may be made of a material that is highly polished so as to reflect incident IR radiation from the IR heat source 42. The second wall 926a-926d of the internal air channels 920 may be made of a material that allows air from the air channel to pass through toward the vent holes 40 formed in the base portion 22. For example, the second walls 926a-926d of the internal air channels 920a-920d may be made of a perforated material through which air can pass. Upon passing through the second wall 926, the air may then flow out of the base portion 22 through the vent holes 20 formed therein. It will be appreciated that although the internal air channels 920 described above have a first and second wall, the channels 920 could also be formed by one wall, with the side of the wall proximal to the IR heat source 42 comprising a material that reflects IR radiation.

Beneficially, by providing internal air channels 920 as described above, air may be able to flow along and through the surface of the base portion 22, while preventing IR radiation from the IR heat source(s) 42 escaping through the vent holes 40 formed in the base portion 22. That in turn beneficially prevents line of sight of the IR radiation with an end user.

Additionally, to prevent IR radiation passing through openings in the base portion 22 through which the plurality of bristles 20 protrude, each bristle 20 may be configured/manufactured to have a collar feature 935 at the base of each bristle (i.e., the end of the bristle that remains within the base portion 22 when the bristle is protruding out of the base portion 22). That collar feature 935 may be configured to provide a barrier between the opening through which the bristle 20 protrudes and the IR heat source 45. For example, the collar feature 935 may be larger (e.g., wider) than the opening in the base portion 22 through which the bristle protrudes, thereby blocking IR radiation from the IR heat source 42 from passing through said opening.

Additionally, the collar feature 935 may be made of a material that reflects incident IR radiation on the material to further prevent IR radiation from escaping from the inside of the base portion 22. Alternatively, or additionally, the collar feature 935 may be made of a material that is highly polished so as to reflect incident IR radiation from the IR heat source.

Alternatively, or additionally, the line of sight of IR radiation from the IR heater source may be prevented by patterning the casing of the IR heat source 45. By way of example only, if the IR heat source is an IR bulb, the glass casing of the IR bulb may be patterned to prevent line of sight of IR radiation from the IR heater source. For example, the glass case of the IR bulb may be patterned with a material that reflects IS IR radiation. The pattern of material on the glass case would be selected such that the material that reflects the IR radiation is located on the surface of the glass case at positions that correspond with the position of the vent holes 40 and/or openings in the base portion 22 through which the bristles extend, thereby blocking IR radiation from passing through the glass casing at those positions. That in turn would prevent IR radiation passing through the glass casing and out of the vent holes 40 and/or the openings in the base portion 22 through which the bristles extend.

The material used to make the pattern on the glass case of the IR bulb may be deposited on the glass using any appropriate material deposition process. By way of example only, the material may be deposited using known physical vapour deposition (PVD) processes. Alternative possible deposition techniques may include spin coating methods, electroplating, spraying, and vacuum deposition processes. When depositing the material on the glass casing a mask may first be applied to the glass casing to mark out the locations where the material is to be deposited. Once the material has been deposited, the mask may be removed, leaving behind the deposited material on the glass casing in the desired pattern.

It will be appreciated that the means of preventing line of sight of IR radiation described above is provided by way of example only, and other appropriate means of preventing line of sight IR radiation reaching a human's eyes or other pads of their body may be adopted.

Bristle Configurations As previously discussed, the bristles 20 of the styler device 10 are configured to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16 (and thus the base portion 22) and enables the user to have greater control over the styling of the hair.

Typically, bristles 20a-20g are constructed of a thermally insulating material, such as a plastic having a low thermal conductivity. Sometimes a plurality of thermally conductive surface elements is provided that extend from the outer surface of the base portion 22 to increase the external surface area of the head portion 16 that is heating the user's hair. However, it will be appreciated that the provision of these surface elements increases the complexity of the manufacture of the hair styler device. It may therefore be beneficial to provide thermally conductive bristles 20 instead. Such thermally conductive bristles 20 may double-up as both bristles as well as the heat conducting elements, thereby maximising the heat applied to a user's hair during use of the styler device 10, while reducing the number of components used in the device.

Thermally Conductive Bristles -Heating & Safety Figure 10 illustrates an array of thermally conductive bristles that can be attached to, formed upon, or integral with the base portion 22 of the styler device 10. For example, the bristles 20a-20g may be formed on a metal substrate that is in turn attached to the base portion 22. Alternatively, where the thermally conductive bristles 20 are configured to be retractable, they may be formed upon rails (not shown) that are in turn attached to, or formed upon, the base portion 22 of the styler device 10. It will be appreciated that where the thermally conductive bristles 20a-20g are formed upon rails, the rails will be made of a thermally conductive material to facilitate heat conduction from the base portion 22 to the rails (not shown).

Each bristle 20 may be made of a thermally conducting material (e.g., a metal) that is able to absorb heat from the base portion that is in turn heated by the IR heat source 42. For example, where the bristles attached to, formed upon, or integral with the base portion 22 of the styler device 10, the bristles 20 may be heated by thermal conduction of heat from the base portion 22, which in turn is heated by IR radiation from the IR heat source 42. Alternatively, where the bristles 20 are retractable and thus formed upon rails as described above, the bristles 20 may be heated by thermal conduction of heat from the base portion 22 via the rails, the rails being heated by thermal conduction from the base portion 22. Beneficially, such heated bristles 20 improve the dry and/or style action of the styler device 10.

It will be appreciated however that the above-described mechanism for heating the bristles 20 is by way of example only and that other appropriate means of heating the bristles 20 may be used. The above-described mechanism requires the bristles 20 to be thermally connected to the base portion 22 to enable the conduction of heat between the two. However, the bristles 20 may be thermally separated/isolated from the base portion 22. In this scenario, individual heater tracks may be provided to heat the bristles. For example, conductive tracks may be provided that are Is configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through them. Those conductive tracks may be mounted in thermal contact with the bristles to heat the bristles 20.

Alternatively, the bristles 20 may be heated using inductive heating mechanisms. For example, there may be provided heating coil(s) around and/or inside rows of bristles 20 on the styler device 10. Upon the flow of a current through the heating coil(s), the coil(s) heat up via inductive heating. That heat may then in turn heat the bristles 20 by conduction of heat from the coil(s) to the bristles 20. Where a plurality of coils are provided it will be appreciated that beneficially those coils may be linked together in series to minimise the complexity of the circuitry needed. Alternatively, those coils may be wired separately such that each coil can be controlled independently.

Beneficially, individual control of the coils allows for a greater granularity of temperature control and sensing processes that uses temperature measurements.

However, irrespective of the method of heating the bristles some consideration needs to be made if the bristles 20 are formed from thermally conductive material.

For example, the bristles 20 may get dangerously hot and may result in burning of a user's hair and/or scalp. There therefore may also be provided an over-mould that overlays each bristle and which acts to reduce (but not prevent) the amount of heat that reaches a user's hair/head during use. For example, there may be provided a plastic over mould that limits the amount of heat that can radiate from the bristle 20 to a user's hair. The thermally insulative over-mould may, for example, comprise a material with a low emissivity. That is to say the material should be translucent to IR radiation, or reflective to IR radiation, so as to reduce or prevent the risk of a user coming into contact with a hot tip of the bristles 20. Additionally, there may also be provided a thermally insulative tip 1010a-1010g at a distal end of each bristle 20a-20g to prevent the hottest part of each bristle touching the user's head during use. By way of example only, materials that may be used for such thermally insulative over-moulds may include silicon, glass, and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It will be appreciated however that any material that has the appropriate level of emissivity to prevent or reduce the chances of a user being burnt by the tip of the thermally conductive bristles 20 may be used.

Thermally Conductive Bristles -Retractability Typically, materials that have high thermal conductivity such as the thermally conductive bristles 20 discussed above are rigid and inflexible. Such rigidity and inflexibility however may pose issues if the bristles 20 provided are designed to be retractable bristles 20 (e.g., capable of retracting inside the head portion 16 by mechanical movement, from the use of the device 10, or by an electronic controller of the device 10). There is therefore a need for new mechanisms that allow for the retractability of thermally conductive bristles.

Rotary Figure 1 1 a illustrates a partially cut-away perspective view of the base portion 22 with a first retractable bristle mechanism (referred to as the 'Rotary' mechanism) that may be used in conjunction with thermally conductive bristles 20. In Figure 11a, the thermal bristles are extending through the base portion 22.

Figure 11 b illustrates another partially cut-away perspective view of the base portion 22 with the 'Rotary' mechanism with the thermal bristles retracted below a top surface 1115 of base portion 22.

As shown in Figure 11a there may be provided on, an inner surface 1105 of the base portion 22, a plurality of rails 1110 circumferentially arranged around the outside surface 1105. Each of those rails 1110 may extend the length of the base portion 22 and may support a row of bristles along said length of the base portion 22. By way of example, there may be provided six rails around the base portion 22, with each rail supporting 12 bristles, thereby providing at total of 72 bristles on the device 10. It will be appreciated that other numbers of rails and bristles may be provided as appropriate. For example, as shown in Figure 11a there is three rails 1110a-1110c around the base portion 22 shown, with each rail supporting 26 bristles per rail 1110.

In the interests of clarity, not all features in Figure 11 a are not labelled; for example, not all bristles are labelled but rather one bristle per rail shown is labelled.

The rails 1110 in turn may be secured to the base portion at either end of the base portion 22 using any appropriate securing means. It will be appreciated that such securing means nevertheless will permit rotation of the rails. An end of the rails 1110 proximal to the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 may also be connected to the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 to allow rotation of both the handle portion and the rails 1110. For example, rotation of the handle portion 16 may actuate the rotation of the rails 1110 on the outer surface of the base portion 22.

The top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 is above the rails 1110, and bristles, and has a plurality of openings 11120 corresponding to the bristles 20. When in a retracted state the bristles 20 are retracted from the openings 1120 of the base portion 20 and are orientated at an acute angle with respect to the inner surface 1105 of the base portion 22. When in an extended state the bristles 20 extend from the openings 1120 of the base portion 20 and are orientated perpendicular to the top surface 1105 of the base portion 20.

The bristles 20 may have a length of up to 10mm when extended, and preferably the bristles 20 may have a length of up to 8.8mm when extended. It will however be appreciated that the length of the bristles 20 may be any appropriate length that means that the bristles 20 are: a) sufficiently extended to allow the bristles to be used to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16 and, b) able to be fully, or at least partially, stored beneath the top surface of the base portion 22.

In use, starting from the retracted state, the handle portion 16, and thus the rails 1110 may be rotated clockwise (or anticlockwise depending on the design) to rotate the plurality of rails arranged around the base portion 22. Rotation of the plurality of rails causes the rotation of the bristles 20 attached to those rails. The rails 1110, and thus the bristles 20, are rotated until the bristles 20 extend through the openings 1120 in the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. For example, the bristles 20 may be spring loaded and may 'pop' out of the openings once the tips of the bristles meet with the openings. Alternatively, the bristles 20 may be connected to the rails via a hinge about which the bristles pivot as they come into contact with the openings 1120 in the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22.

It will be appreciated that when in use, the bristles 20 of the styler device 10 are configured to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16, and thus mechanisms are needed to prevent the accidental retraction of the bristles 20 as hair is brushed. There may therefore also be provided a locking mechanism (not shown) that acts to lock the rails in position and prevent rotation of the rails once they have been rotated to move the bristles 20 out of the openings 1120 of the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. For example, there may be a locking mechanism provided in the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 such as a 'key-lock' type mechanism.

Alternatively, where the bristles are spring loaded and 'pop' out of the openings once the tips of the bristles align with the openings 1120, the bristles may be designed such that a significant amount of force may need to be applied when rotating the handle portion to retract the bristles beneath the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. It will be appreciated that spring loading the bristles to secure them once extracted is described by way of example only and that any appropriate means for securing (or 'locking') the bristles in position once extending through the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 may be used.

To retract the bristles 20, the handle portion 16 may be rotated in an anticlockwise direction (clockwise depending on the design), to cause the bristles 20 to retract beneath the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. It will be appreciated that where the locking mechanism provided in the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 is a key-lock' type mechanism, retraction of the bristles 20 may first require release of the 'key-lock' mechanism. For example, where a section of the handle portion 16 mates with a corresponding section of the base portion 22 upon rotation of the handle portion 16 to 'lock' the handle portion 16 and the rails in position, a user may have to first push/pull the handle portion 16, or press a button on the handle portion 16, to release the section of the handle portion 16 mated with the corresponding section of the base portion 22 to allow rotation of the handle portion 16 and the rails.

Radial By way of example only, Figure 12a illustrates another retractable bristle mechanism (referred to as the 'Radial' mechanism) that may be used in the styler device 10 in conjunction with thermally conductive bristles 20. In Figure 12a, the thermal bristles are extending through the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22.

Figure 12b illustrates another cut-away cross-sectional view of the base portion 22 with the 'Radial' mechanism with the thermal bristles retracted below the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22.

As shown in Figure 12a, in the 'Radial' retractable bristle mechanism there may be provided, on an outside surface 1105 of the base portion 22, similarly to the 'Rotary' mechanism, a plurality of rails 1205a-1205c circumferentially arranged around the outside surface 1105. Each of those rails 1205 may extend the length of the base portion 22 and may support a row of bristles along said length of the base portion 22.

For example, there may be provided six rails around the base portion 22, with each rail supporting 12 bristles, thereby providing at total of 72 bristles on the device 10. It will be appreciated that other numbers of rails and bristles may be provided as appropriate. In the interests of clarity, not all features in Figure 12a are not labelled; for example, not all bristles are labelled but rather one bristle per rail shown is labelled.

The rails 1205 in turn may be secured to the base portion at either end of the base portion 22 using any appropriate securing means. It will be appreciated that such securing means nevertheless will permit rotation of the rails. An end of the rails 1205 proximal to the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 may also be connected to the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 to allow rotation of both the handle portion and the rails 1205. For example, rotation of the handle portion 16 may actuate the rotation of the rails 1205 on the outer surface of the base portion 22.

As shown in Figure 12a, unlike in the previous mechanism, in the rotary mechanism, the rails 1205 may be formed on a curved surface such that rotation of the rails 1205 results in a radial motion of the bristles 20. Thus, in the radial mechanism the bristles may not rotate but rather move up and down as the rails 1205 are rotated.

A top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 over the rails 1205, and bristles 20, has a plurality of openings 1120 corresponding to the bristles 20. When in a retracted state the bristles 20 are retracted from the openings 1120 of the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22, however their orientation does not change i.e., the bristles 20 when retracted remain perpendicular an inner surface 1105 of the base portion 22. When in an extended state the bristles 20 extend from the openings of the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 and are also orientated perpendicular to the inner surface 1105 of the base portion 22.

The bristles 20 may preferably have a length of up to 6.9 mm. It will however be appreciated that the length of the bristles 20 may be any appropriate length that means that the bristles 20 are: a) sufficiently extended to allow the bristles to be used to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16 and, b) able to be fully, or at least partially, stored beneath the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 without becoming proximal to the one or more IR heaters 42 (in other words if the bristles are to be fully retractable in this design, the bristles can only be as long as the distance between the base portion 22 and the IR bulb 42.

In use, starting from the retracted state, the handle portion, and thus the rails 1205, may be rotated clockwise (or anticlockwise depending on the design) to rotate the plurality of rails arranged around the base portion 22. Rotation of the plurality of rails in turn actuates a linear movement of the bristles upwards toward the openings 1120 in the top surface 1115 of the base portion. The rails 1205 are rotated until the bristles 20 fully extend from the openings 1120 in the top surface 1115 of the base portion.

It will be appreciated that when in use, the bristles 20 of the styler device 10 are configured to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16, and thus mechanisms are needed to prevent the accidental retraction of the bristles 20 as hair is brushed. There is thus a locking mechanism that may be provided in e.g., the handle portion. Any appropriate means for securing (or 'locking') the bristles in position once extending through the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 may be used.

To retract the bristles 20, the handle portion 16 may be rotated in an anticlockwise direction (clockwise depending on the design), to cause the bristles 20 to retract beneath the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. It will be appreciated that where the locking mechanism provided in the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 is a 'key-lock' type mechanism, retraction of the bristles 20 may first require release of the 'key-lock' mechanism. For example, where a section of the handle portion 16 mates with a corresponding section of the base portion 22 upon rotation of the handle portion 16 to 'lock' the handle portion 16 and the rails in position, a user may have to first push/pull the handle portion 16, or press a button on the handle portion 16, to release the section of the handle portion 16 mated with the corresponding section of the base portion 22 to allow rotation of the handle portion 16 and the rails. Axial

By way of example only, Figure 13a illustrates another retractable bristle mechanism (referred to as the 'Axial' mechanism) that may be used in the styler device 10 in conjunction with thermally conductive bristles 20. In Figure 13a, the thermal bristles are extending through the top surface 1115 of the the base portion 22.

Figure 13b illustrates another cut-away perspective view of the base portion 22 with the 'Axial' mechanism with the thermal bristles retracted below the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22.

As shown in Figure 13a, in the 'Axial' retractable bristle mechanism there may be provided, on an outside surface of the base portion 22, a plurality of rails (not shown) circumferentially arranged around the outside surface (not shown). Each of those rails may extend the length of the base portion 22 and may support a row of bristles along said length of the base portion 22. For example, there may be provided six rails around the base portion 22, with each rail supporting 14 bristles, thereby providing at total of 84 bristles on the device 10. It will be appreciated that other numbers of rails and bristles may be provided as appropriate. Each bristle 20 is attached to a rail via a spring-loaded hinge that allows the movement of the bristle through an angle of 90 degrees. In the interests of clarity, not all features in Figure 13a are not labelled; for example, not all bristles are labelled but rather one bristle per rail shown is labelled.

The rails in turn may be secured to the base portion at either end of the base portion 22 using any appropriate securing means. It will be appreciated that such securing means nevertheless will permit axial movement of the rails. An end of the rails proximal to the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 may also be connected to the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 to allow a pull/push motion of the handle portion and/or the rails. For example, push/pull of the handle portion 16 may actuate the push/pull of the rails on the outer surface of the base portion 22.

A top surface 1115 of the base portion is provided over the rails, and bristles, and has a plurality of open slots 1305 corresponding to the bristles 20. When in a retracted state the bristles 20 are retracted from the open slots of top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 and are flat with respect to the outer surface of the base portion 22 i.e., the bristles are folded down onto the outer surface of the base portion. When in an extended state, the bristles 20 extend from the open slots of the cover and are orientated perpendicular to the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22.

The bristles 20 may have a length of up to 10mm when extended, and preferably the bristles 20 may have a length of up to 8.8mm when extended. It will however be appreciated that the length of the bristles 20 may be any appropriate length that means that the bristles 20 are: a) sufficiently extended to allow the bristles to be used to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16 and, b) able to be fully, or at least partially, stored beneath the top surface1115 of the base portion 22.

In use, starting from the retracted state, the handle portion, and thus the rails are pulled axially to pull the plurality of rails arranged around the base portion 22 axially. The pulling of the rails axially as described above in turn causes the bristles 20 to align with the open slots 1305 in the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 and 'pop' up through the open slots via the spring action of the loaded spring that forms part of the hinges of the bristles.

It will be appreciated that when in use, the bristles 20 of the styler device 10 are configured to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16, and thus mechanisms are needed to prevent the accidental retraction of the bristles 20 as hair is brushed. There is thus a locking mechanism provided in e.g., the handle portion.

any appropriate means for securing (or 'locking') the bristles in position once extending through the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 may be used.

To retract the bristles 20, the handle portion, and thus the rails may be pushed to cause the bristles 20 to retract beneath the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. It will be appreciated that where the locking mechanism provided in the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 is a 'key-lock' type mechanism, retraction of the bristles 20 may first require release of the 'key-lock' mechanism. For example, where a section of the handle portion 16 mates with a corresponding section of the base portion 22 upon push/pull of the handle portion 16 to 'lock' the handle portion 16 and the rails in position, a user may have to first press a button on the handle portion 16, IS to release the section of the handle portion 16 mated with the corresponding section of the base portion 22 to allow push/pull of the handle portion 16 and the rails.

Figure 13c illustrates a perspective view of the axial mechanism below the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. As shown in Figure 13c, there is provided a plurality of bristles 20 distributed along a length of the axial mechanism 1320. Each one of the bristles 20 of the plurality of bristles may be attached to the axial mechanism via a hinge that allows each bristle 20 to rotate through an angle of 90 degrees from a vertical position (e.g., when the bristles 20 are extending through the slots 1305 in the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 of the styler device 10) to a horizontal position (e.g., when the bristles 20 are retracted and lying flat on the outer surface of the base portion 22 below the top surface 1115 of the base portion.

Each axial mechanism 1320 may further comprise raised portions 1325 that fill the slots 1305 in the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 when the bristles 20 are in their retracted position below the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22. Beneficially, by providing the raised portion 1325 such that they fill the slots 1305 when the bristles 20 are retracted, the top surface 1115 of the base portion 22 is a smooth continuous surface when the bristles 20 are retracted. That in turn prevents a user's hair becoming trapped in the slots 1305 when the hair styler device 10 is used when the bristles 20 are retracted.

Epicyclic By way of example only, Figure 14a illustrates another retractable bristle mechanism (referred to as the 'Epicyclic' mechanism) that may be used in the styler device 10 in conjunction with thermally conductive bristles 20. In Figure 14a, the thermal bristles are extending through the surface of a cover over the base portion 22.

Figure 14b illustrates another cut-away perspective view of the base portion 22 with the 'Epicyclic' mechanism with the thermal bristles 20 retracted below the surface of 10 the cover over the base portion 22.

As shown in Figure 14a, in the Epicyclic' retractable bristle mechanism there may be provided, a plurality of panels 1405a-1405d circumferentially arranged around the base portion 22 (Le., the base portion 22 is split into a plurality of panels 1405a-1405d). On one side of the panels 1405 one or more rows of bristles along the length of the said panel 1405 are provided. For example, there may be provided ten panels, with 20 bristles on each panel 1405, thereby providing at total of 200 bristles on the device 10. It will be appreciated that other numbers of rails and bristles may be provided as appropriate. Each bristle is arranged to extend perpendicular from the surface of the panel 1405 with which it is attached or integrally formed.

Each of those panels 1405a, 1405b, 1405c, 1405d is coupled to the handle portion 16 of the hair styler device 10 via a gear/cog 1410a, 1410b, 1410c, 1410d such that rotation of the handle portion 16 of the hair styler device 10 causes each panel 1405 to rotate. Rotation of those panels 1405a-1405d in turn means that the bristles on each panel 1405 can be rotated from an 'up' position (a position where the side of each panel 1405 with the bristles is facing outwards toward a user) to a 'down' position (a position where the side of each panel 1405 with the bristles is facing inwards toward the IR source).

In use, starting from the extended state, the handle portion, and thus the gear(s) 1410a-1410d may be rotated clockwise (or anticlockwise depending on the design) to rotate the plurality of panels. Rotation of each of the plurality of panels results in a sweeping movement of the panel 1405 through a 180-degree angle such that the bristles are moved from the 'down' to the up' position as described above.

To retract the bristles 20, the handle portion 16, and thus the gear(s) 1410a-1410d may be rotated anticlockwise (clockwise depending on the design) to rotate the plurality of panels. Rotation of each of the plurality of panels results in a sweeping movement of the panel 1405 through a 180-degree angle such that the bristles are moved from the up' to the 'down' position as described above.

It will be appreciated that when in use, the bristles 20 of the styler device 10 are configured to guide the hair as is passes over the head portion 16, and thus any appropriate mechanism may be implemented to prevent the accidental rotation of the bristles panels as hair is brushed. For example, where the locking mechanism provided in the handle portion 16 of the styler device 10 is a 'key-lock' type mechanism, retraction of the bristles 20 may first require release of the 'key-lock' mechanism. For example, where a section of the handle portion 16 mates with a corresponding section of the base portion 22 upon rotation of the handle portion 16 to 'lock' the handle portion 16 and the rails in position, a user may have to first push/pull the handle portion 16, or press a button on the handle portion 16, to release the section of the handle portion 16 mated with the corresponding section of the base portion 22 to allow rotation of the handle portion 16 and the rails.

It will be appreciated that although the retractable bristle mechanisms described above are described with reference to the use of thermally conductive bristles 20, this does not preclude the retractable bristle mechanisms being used with other types of bristles. For example, all of the retractable bristle mechanisms described would also work when used with non-conducting bristles and/or flexible bristles more conventionally used in such hair styling devices.

Control system Figure 15 illustrates a block diagram of a power/control circuitry 1500 for the styler device 10. As shown in Figure 15, the control circuitry 1500 comprises a power supply 21 that may derive power from a battery power source. A mains power 30 supply input may be provided to charge the battery via an AC to DC converter (not shown), which may be external or internal to the device 1. Alternatively, the power supply 21 may derive power from an AC mains supply input.

By way of example only, power is provided to the IR heat source(s) 42 for heating the base portion 22, the bristles 20, and thus a user's hair. The power supplied to the IR heat source(s) 42 is controlled by a controller 28 having a microprocessor 29. The power supplied to the IR heat source(s) 42 may be controlled by drive circuitry 23 (which may include one or more power semiconductor switching devices (triacs)) which controls the application of an AC mains voltage, or a DC voltage derived from the AC mains or from a battery to the IR heat sources(s) 42 in accordance with instructions from the microprocessor 29. The microprocessor 29 is coupled to a memory 30 (which is typically a non-volatile memory) that stores processor control code for implementing one or more control methods that control the heating of the IR heat source(s) 42 in accordance with a desired operating temperature of the IR heat source(s) 42 and sensed temperatures of the heaters obtained from temperature measurement circuitry 25. The temperature measurement circuitry 25 may be temperature sensors such as thermistors or other appropriate IR temperature sensors.

There is also provided a user interface 11 coupled to the microprocessor 29, for example to provide one or more user controls and/or output indications such as a visual indication, a haptic feedback or an audible alert. The output(s) may be used to indicate to the user if they are moving the device 1 too quickly along the hair tress.

The control circuitry may also include communications circuitry 27 to allow the device to communicate with a remote sensor, a remote server, or a remote application (e.g., on a mobile telephone). The communications circuitry 27 may use, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and/or 3GPP communication protocols to communicate with the remote device.

Control system functionality Inrush current & IR light flicker control It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that powering the IR heat source(s) 30 42 may need to be carefully controlled to prevent phenomena such high inrush currents upon initial heating. IR heat sources 42 (e.g., IR lamps, IR bulbs, and the like) typically have very low electrical resistance when they are cold (e.g., before they are switched on). Once switched on, the IR heat source 42 will typically experience a large inrush current due to its low resistance when cold. Further, IR heat sources 42 by their very nature have some of its spectrum in the visible wavelength. As full power heating will not always be required, the power to the IR heat source 42 will need to be switched off temporarily (for several mains semi-cycles as an example), and this will cause the visible light from the IR heat sources 42 to visibly flicker.

Both the inrush current and the flicker issue can be resolved by using phase modulation. In this case, power is supplied to the IR heat source(s) 42 by using a respective power semiconductor switching device (triac). To minimise inrush current, the conduction angle of the triac can be modulated so that the triac is turned on towards the end of the mains semi-cycle. This in turn averages out the power Is delivered to the IR lamp without having to implement AC cycle skipping techniques.

Once the IR heat source 42 is at temperature, the triac can be left on for the full duration of the mains semi-cycle. If less power than rated power of the IR lamp is required, the above technique can be used (once heated up) to switch on the IR lamp at different points in the semi-cycle, allowing full control over how much power is being delivered to the IR heat source 42.

Examples of triac construction and their implementation to facilitate triac switching may be found, by way of example only, at https://eepower. comffechnicalarticles/alternating-current-ac-load-control-with-triacs/#, the contents of which is wholly incorporated by reference.

Active-to-Idle mode switching It will be appreciated that due to the heating functionality of the styler device 10 there are compliance regulations that must be followed to ensure that the styler device 10 is safe. For example, current compliance regulations require that hair styling devices such as the one described herein must be provided with an integral stand that when used ensures that the surroundings of the device 10 are not heated by the device to excessive temperatures. There is therefore a need for a mechanism that ensures that excessive heating of surroundings is prevented when the device 10 is switched on but not in use i.e., when a user places the device 10 in a stand.

For example, there may be provided one or more accelerators or gyroscopes (or a combination of accelerators and gyroscopes) within the device 10 to detect movement of the device 10. The accelerators and gyroscopes may form part of movement sensing circuitry 32 of the control system 1500 that is connected to the microprocessor 29.

The accelerators and/or gyroscopes in the device 10 may be used to determine whether the device 10 is in use (Le., it is being moved around), or whether it is stationary. If it is detected that the device 10 is stationary, the device may be switched to an 'Idle' mode. In idle mode, the power supplied to the IR heat source(s) 42 may be controlled to reduce the heat of the IR heat source(s), or alternatively, to switch the IR heat source(s) off. Subsequently, if it is detected that the device 10 is moving, the device may be switched to an 'Active' mode. In the active mode, the power supplied to the IR heat source(s) 42 may be controlled to increase the heat of the IR heat source(s), or alternatively, to switch the IR heat source(s) on. Similarly, the power supplied to the air heater and/or the fan of the apparatus may also be adjusted depending on whether the device is in the active mode or the idle mode. For example, the power may be reduced to turn down the air heater and/or the fan (or they may be switched off all together), if the controller determines that the device is not being used and is in the idle mode.

Temperature-adjustment for curling It will be appreciated that it may be beneficial for the temperature of the styler device 10 to be adjusted for curling based on whether the curling action is being performed on wetted ('wet') hair, or dry hair. There is therefore a need for a mechanism that enables the detection of a level of hair wetness in conjunction with whether the hair styling device is being used for curling.

For example, there may be provided sensors capable of determining a moisture and/or humidity level (humidity sensing circuitry 27) in conjunction with the one or 30 more accelerometers or gyroscopes (or combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes) described above.

The sensors capable of determining a moisture and/or humidity level may, for example, be any suitable sensor or arrangement of sensors, the outputs from which can be processed to determine the moisture level of the user's hair. For example, the moisture level of the hair may be determined by measuring a thermal load on one or more components of the device as the device is being used to dry/style a user's hair. Alternatively, the device may be configured to determine a moisture level of the hair based on measured temperatures (or measured thermal loads) using, for example, the temperature measurement circuitry described above. Alternatively, the moisture level of hair can be determined by monitoring a change in temperature of the hair over time as heat is applied to the hair using, for example, the temperature measurement circuitry described above.

Alternatively, the device may be configured to determine the moisture level of the hair by measuring a capacitance. For example, when moisture from the hair contacts a suitable material, a change in the dielectric properties of the material (and therefore the capacitance) occurs that is proportional to the amount water in contact with the material.

Alternatively, the device may be configured to determine the moisture level of the hair using an optical sensor. For example, the device may be configured for determining the moisture level of the hair by measuring an amount of light reflected from the hair, by measuring an attenuation of light that passes through the hair, and/or by measuring an attenuation of light that passes through air adjacent to the hair.

Alternatively, the device may be configured to determine the moisture level of the hair using a sensor configured to measure a change in resistance (or resistivity).

Alternatively, the device may be configured to determine the moisture level of the hair using a sensor that comprises a plurality of electrodes for passing an electromagnetic wave through the hair to determine the moisture level of the hair.

When it is determined by the microprocessor 29, as a result of data from one or more of the possible sensors described above, that the hair of a user is dry, the 30 microprocessor 29 may send a command to the movement sensing circuitry to determine movement of the device 10. If in response to that command the microprocessor determines that the device is stationary it may assume that the device is being used to curl dry hair. In that scenario the microprocessor may send a command to the drive circuitry to control a power delivered to the IR heat source(s) to adjust the temperature of the base portion to one appropriate for curling dry hair.

For example, the control system may boost the temperature of the base portion 22 to improve the curling effect (e.g., it may optimally be boosted to 185 degrees).

Furthermore, the microprocessor may, after the temperature has been held at the boosted temperature for a small period of time (e.g., a few seconds), the microprocessor may subsequently send a command to the drive circuitry to control a power delivered to the IR heat source(s) to switch the heat source(s) off thereby facilitating rapid cooling (known as a 'cool shot'). The combination of the appropriate temperature boost with the subsequent cool shot beneficially provides an improved curling effect.

Modifications and alternatives Detailed embodiments and some possible alternatives have been described above.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a number of modifications and further alternatives can be made to the above embodiments whilst still benefiting from the inventions embodied therein. It will therefore be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the scope of the claims appended hereto.

The device 10 may be partially or entirely formed of a unitary structure, e.g., by 3D printing.

Whilst in the above examples the head portion 16 of the device 10 is generally symmetrical in transverse cross-section, as illustrated for example in Figure 8, this need not necessarily be the case. For example, the head portion 16 may take the shape of a more traditional brush (e.g., a so-called "paddle" brush) with the bristles and heated surface elements provided on an upper surface of the device. In such an example, the bristles 20 and heated surfaced elements 18 may be provided only on the curved region of the head portion 16.

The head portion 16 may be reversibly detachable from the main body 12. For example, the head portion 16 may be interchangeable with another styling or drying attachment for the device 10.

In the above-described examples the device 10 may comprise a single heat source or may alternatively comprise two or more heat sources. More generally, the device may comprise any suitable means for transferring heat to the hair of the user, such as any suitable conductive heater, thick film printed heater, steam heater, or radiative heater.

In the above above-described examples the device 10 may comprise IR heat source(s). Beneficially, when the device is powered using mains AC, the IR heat source(s) may be powered using one or more triac circuits. The triac circuits beneficially enable the implementation of phase modulation of the current supplied to the IR heat source(s) which may advantageously prevent inrush current and flicker issues that may arise during the powering of the IR heat source(s). For example, to minimise inrush current the triac can be turned on toward the end of a mains semi cycle so as to partially heat up the device. Once the IR heat source(s) are at temperature, the triac can be left on for the full duration of the mains semi-cycle. It will be appreciated that by providing the above-described triac(s) the IR heat source(s) can be switched on and off at different points in the semi cycle of AC mains signal.

In the above-describe examples, the base portion 22 of the device is generally described as a being made of a metal material. However, it will be appreciated that where the heat source(s) are IR heat source(s) the base portion 22 need not be made of metal. For example, base portion 22 may be made of a porous material, which may or may not be a metallic porous material. i.e., a material containing pores (voids). Beneficially, by providing a porous material for the base portion 22, water in hair being dried/styled using the device may be drawn into (toward) base portion by capillary action thereby greatly increasing the drying rate of the device.

In some of the above-described examples, the device need not necessarily comprise the moisture sensors for sensing the moisture of the hair. Alternatively, for example, the device 10 could be configured for heating the hair using a predetermined set of operating parameters based on a target moisture level. For example, a table of target moisture levels and corresponding operating temperatures needed to achieve that target moisture level could be determined in advance and stored in the memory.

In this configuration, the device 10 need only identify the operating temperature (and any other relevant operating parameters) to be used from the table, and it is not necessary to sense the moisture of the hair. However, providing a moisture sensor for sensing the moisture of the hair is nevertheless beneficial for verifying that the hair has reached the intended moisture level, and enables more precise control of the moisture level.

In any of the above-described embodiments, the device may be provided with a motion sensor (for example, a motion sensor arranged in the main body 12 of the device). The motion sensor may be used to sense whether the device is currently in use by a user (by sensing movement of the device), or whether the device is laying idle (for example, by sensing that the device has not been moved for a predetermined amount of time). The motion sensor may comprise a gyroscope, accelerometer, a switch on a docking station onto which the device is placed, and/or may comprise any other suitable type of sensor. When the data from the motion sensor indicates that the device has not been moved for a predetermined amount of time (for example, 1 minute), the device may but put into an idle mode in which the temperature of the head portion 16 is reduced (for example, by switching off the heater 30, or reducing the power output of the heater 30). In the idle mode, the temperature of the base portion 22 may be reduced to an idle mode temperature that is above ambient temperature, but below the normal operating temperature for drying and/or styling hair. For example, the operating temperature may be 120 °C, and the idle temperature may be 90 °C.

When the data from the motion sensor indicates that the user has picked up the device, the heater 30 is then controlled to return the temperature of the base portion 22 to the operating temperature for drying and/or styling hair. Advantageously, the use of the idle mode increases the efficiency of the device and may also reduce the damage due to thermal stress that may be caused to a surface when the device is placed on that surface for a prolonged period of time. When the device is in the idle mode and the data from the motion sensor indicates that the user has picked up the device, the heater 30 (or heaters) may be operated in a 'boost mode' to return the base portion 22 to the operating temperature (for example, using the boost mode described above with reference to Figure 23). More generally the heater(s) 30 may be temporarily operated at a higher power output to increase the temperature of the base portion 22 from the idle temperature to the operating temperature for drying and/or styling hair.

The base portion 22 in any of the above-described embodiments may be formed of one or more cast base portion parts. Whilst the use of a single cast base portion 22 provides more even heat distribution around the head of the device (due to forming a continuous ring of thermally conductive material around the circumference of the device), an assembly of two or more base portion parts simplifies the manufacturing process. Similarly, whilst the use of a single cast heat exchanger 44 provides more efficient thermal transfer, an assembly of two or more heat exchanger parts Is simplifies the manufacturing process.

It will be appreciated that in all of the above-described examples where IR heat source(s) are provided electrical components within the device may need to be protected from IR radiation which may damage said components. The skilled person would thus understand that such electrical components may be protected, enclosed, or encapsulated in materials that reflect IR radiation to protect those components.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "containing", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other components, integers, or steps.

Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair; a first heater for heating the hair contacting surface of the head portion; and a second heater for heating the plurality of bristles, wherein the second heater comprises at least one infrared, IR, heater or an inductive heater.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first heater comprises at least one conductive track that is configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through the at least one conductive track, and wherein the at least one conductive track is mounted in thermal contact with the hair contacting surface to heat the hair contacting surface by conductive heating.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second heater comprises at least one conductive track that is configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through the at least one conductive track, and wherein the at least one conductive track is mounted in thermal contact with the plurality of bristles to heat the plurality of bristles by conductive heating.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second heater comprises at least one coil that is configured to generate heat when an electric current flows through the at least one coil and wherein the at least one coil is wrapped around the plurality of bristles to heat the plurality of bristles by conductive heating.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second heater comprises a plurality of coils, each coil being electrically connected together in series.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second heater comprises a plurality of coils, each coil being electrically isolated from each other coil to allow independent control of each coil.
7. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair; and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater extends along a length of the head portion and has a non-uniform heat profile along its length; and means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length by the at least one infrared heater.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises a selectively anodised or coated head portion
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises providing a plurality of IR heaters serially connected along a length of the head portion.
10, The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each IR heater of the plurality of IR heaters are independently controllable, and wherein improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises adjusting a power of at least one of the IR heaters in dependence upon a sensed temperature of the hair contacting surface.
11. The apparatus of claims 7, wherein the means for improving the uniformity of heating of the head portion along its length comprises thermally isolating ends of the head portion to minimise heat loss to the handle portion and a tip of the apparatus.
12. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair; and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater extends along a length of the head portion, wherein the IR heater comprises a heating filament that is wound along a length of the IR heater and wherein a winding density of the filament varies along the length of the IR heater to regularise a heating effect on the base portion by the at least one IR heater.
13. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a barrel having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair, wherein the barrel is divided into plural sectors; and a plurality of infrared, IR, heaters for providing heat energy to cause the barrel to be heated, wherein a respective IR heater is provided for each sector of the barrel for heating a corresponding part of the hair contacting surface.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the barrel is formed of an extruded thermally conductive material.
15. The apparatus of claims 13 or 14, wherein the plurality of IR heaters are independently controlled. 20
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a respective temperature sensor is provided to sense the temperature of the hair contacting surface of each sector and wherein a controller is provided to control the heating provided by each IR heater in dependence upon the sensed temperature of the hair contacting surface in the corresponding sector.
17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the plurality of IR heaters are provided centrally within an inner space of the barrel and wherein a heat shield is provided between adjacent IR heaters.
18. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair; and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater comprises: at least one filament that generates radiative heat in response to an electrical current passing through it; and a glass enclosure surrounding the filament; wherein the glass enclosure is formed of toughened glass.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the glass enclosure is made of Schott glass.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the filament is one of: a short wave Tungsten filament, a fast medium wave Tungsten filament or a carbon fibre filament.
21. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair; and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, wherein the at least one infrared heater comprises: at least one filament that generates radiative heat in response to an electrical current passing through it; and a glass enclosure surrounding the filament; wherein the glass enclosure is mounted within the head portion by a multi-spring suspension system that reduces impact forces on the IR heater.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the IR heater is elongate and a multi-spring suspension system is provided at each end of the IR heater.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, comprising a plurality of bristles that are externally 30 mounted on the base portion.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the plurality of bristles are spring mounted on the base portion to absorb energy of impact forces on the IR heater.
25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus further comprises crumple zone features and/or dampers in the handle portion to absorb energy of impact forces on the IR heater.
26. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair; at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated; a plurality of vent holes in the base portion; and means for blocking line of sight to the IR heater through the plurality of vent holes.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the means for blocking line of sight to the IR heater through the plurality of vent holes comprises: a plurality of internal air channels, wherein each internal air channel is formed by a wall configured to block IR radiation from the at least one IR heater from passing through the internal air channel toward at least one of the plurality of vent 20 holes.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the means for blocking line of sight to the IR heater through the plurality of vent holes comprises: a patterned coating applied to the at least one IR heater to selectively block IR radiation from being emitted from the at least one IR heater in a direction toward the plurality of vent holes.
29. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair; at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated; and a top surface of the base portion comprising a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of bristles, and wherein the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion via a rotational movement of the bristles actuated by a rotation of the handle portion.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion a rotational movement of the bristles.
32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion via a radial movement of the bristles actuated by a rotation of the handle portion.
33. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the plurality of bristles are retractable beneath the top surface of the base portion via an axial movement of the bristles actuated by a linear or rotary movement of the handle portion.
34. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair; and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated; and wherein subsets of the plurality of bristles are each mounted on a corresponding plate mounted on the base portion that is rotatable through 180 degrees, wherein a rotation of each plate is actuated by a rotation of the handle portion.
35. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair; at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated; at least one motion sensor to sense motion of the apparatus; at least one humidity sensing means to sense a humidity of the length of hair; and a controller to process data received from the at least one motion sensor and the at least one humidity sensing means, wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is stationary for a predetermined period of time and that the length of hair is dry, boosting a temperature of the hair contacting surface and/or plurality of bristles, wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is moving maintaining the temperature of the hair contacting surface and/or plurality of bristles or reducing the temperature of the of the hair contacting surface and/or plurality of bristles.
36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is stationary for a predetermined period of time and that the length of hair is dry, reducing an airflow from the base portion and, wherein in response to determining that the apparatus is moving maintaining the airflow from the base portion or increasing the airflow from the base portion.
37. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 and 36, wherein the at least one humidity sensing means comprises at least one of: a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a capacitance sensor, or a combination thereof
38. The apparatus of claims 35 to 37, wherein the at least one motion sensor comprises at least one of: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a combination thereof.
39. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair; and at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated, and wherein the base portion is made of a porous material.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the porous material is at least one of: sintered bronze, Duocel, Aluminium foam, and Alupor,
41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the porous material is configured with a pore size and/or pore density to provide a predetermined airflow backpressure through the base portion.
42. An apparatus for drying or styling hair, comprising: a handle portion; a head portion coupled to the handle portion, the head portion comprising a base portion having a hair contacting surface for engaging a length of hair and a plurality of bristles for engaging with the length of hair; at least one infrared, IR, heater for providing heat energy to cause the base portion to be heated; and a semiconductor switching device to control an inrush current provided to the at least one IR heater during an initial heating up procedure of the at least one IR heater.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, where the semiconductor switching device is a triac circuit.