WO2006123096A1

WO2006123096A1 - Diffuser fitting for a hair dryer

Info

Publication number: WO2006123096A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/001649
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antony William Popadich
Original assignee: Rockmist Limited
Priority date: 2005-05-16
Filing date: 2006-05-05
Publication date: 2006-11-23
Also published as: GB0509896D0

Abstract

A diffuser fitting (100) for a hair dryer comprises an inlet (110) adapted to fit the air outlet of a hair dryer; and an air outlet (120) through which the airflow received from said air inlet (110) may exit the diffuser (100). The outlet has a bowl like form comprising a base (122) and sidewalls (124). The tops of the sidewalls (124) form the rim of the bowl and are rounded to protect a users scalp when in use. The base (122) comprises a plate having a plurality of relatively small holes (126) provided therein. The holes (126) allow air received by the inlet (110) to exit into outlet (120). Projecting from the base (122) are a plurality of elongate helical members (128). The helical members (128) have a relatively loose curvature. The depth of the bowl forming the outlet (120) is of the same order as or greater than the diameter of the bowl. This helps to confine hair within the bowl during drying enabling a user to obtain a more controlled curl (or wave, depending on the natural state of the hair) than is possible with conventional diffusers and helps to control the volume of the dried hair. Additionally, the provision of the helical members (128) helps a user to achieve a controlled loose curl of their hair, even if the hair is very straight.

Description

Diffuser Fitting for a Hair Dryer

The present invention relates to a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer, and in particular to a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer adapted to provide controlled loose curling of hair.

Hair dryers provide a heated airflow from an air outlet. In use, the heated airflow is directed towards a user's wet hair, in order to dry it. If the airflow is too strong or if the temperature of the airflow is too great, it is not possible to style the hair into certain styles. In particular, it is difficult to controllably curl hair under such circumstances. In order to overcome such difficulties, a diffuser fitting may be attached to the air outlet of the hair dryer. Such fittings are adapted to slow and disperse the flow of air thus reducing the velocity of the airflow incident upon the hair.

One known form of diffuser comprises: an air inlet adapted to releaseably fit onto the air outlet of a hair dryer and thus receive a heated airflow from the hair dryer; and an air outlet through which air is expelled. The air outlet is typically relatively wide compared to the air inlet and comprises a plate having a plurality of holes through which air can exit the diffuser fitting. The plate may be flat or may have a shallow concave form. In many designs, a plurality of outwardly projecting substantially linear finger members are provided. These may in some embodiments be hollow with an opening at their tips through which air may exit the finger member, thus providing a controlled heated airflow to the roots of a user's hair during drying. Diffusers of these types enable a user to curl their hair. The nature of the curl obtained is within the control of the user, however, for most hair types, this type of diffuser produces a relatively 'fluffier' curl and/or adds significant volume to the hair. This is advantageous if such a style is desired by a user but is disadvantageous if a user wishes to achieve a different style.

The diffuser air inlet is typically adapted to fit a variety of different sized air outlets. One known method of achieving this is for the inner profile of the air inlet to be inwardly tapered. This enables the inlet to engage with a range of different sized hair dryer outlets, smaller hair dryer outlets being engaged deeper within the inlet. Typically, the inner profile of the inlet would also be deformable such that a tighter engagement between the inlet and the hair dryer can be achieved. This arrangement has the disadvantage that it relies on friction between the hair dryer and the inlet and thus is not totally secure, particularly if the hair dryer and diffuser are directed downwardly. If the diffuser does become detached from the hair dryer, there is both an inconvenience factor and a risk of injury, if the diffuser should fall upon the user. Additionally, if the inlet is deformable, as the material of the inlet becomes fatigued over repeated use, engagement between hair dryer and inlet can become progressively less secure.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer that alleviates or overcomes the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer comprising: an air inlet, said air inlet adapted to be fitted to the air outlet of a hair dryer and to receive an airflow from said hair dryer; and an air outlet through which the airflow received from said air inlet may exit the diffuser, said air outlet having a bowl like form with a base portion and side walls, the base portion having a plurality of holes through which the received airflow exits the diffuser and wherein a plurality of elongate members project from the base portion, the said members being substantially helical in form.

This provides a diffuser fitting wherein a user may obtain a relatively loose curl on certain hair types.

Preferably, the base portion comprises a plate. Said plate may be substantially flat or may be curved in form. The curvature of said plate may be substantially concave or convex as required or desired.

Preferably, the depth of the bowl is of the order of or greater than the diameter of the bowl. The bowl of the present invention is thus considerably deeper than the bowl or other equivalent features on known diffuser fittings. This allows the users hair to be confined within the bowl during use, this confinement controls the hair during drying reducing the volume gained by the hair and the tightness of curls formed. This helps a user to obtain a loose curl, if so desired. This additionally can reduce drying time as heat is retained within the bowl.

Preferably, the elongate members do not project beyond the top of the side walls. This enables the rim of the bowl to be placed against a users head during drying to further confine and control the hair during drying, and improve user comfort. As above, this reduces the volume of the dried hair and helps a user obtain a looser curl, if so desired.

Preferably, the members have a smooth surface. Most preferably, the helical form of the members is relatively loose such that the axial separation of successive coils is preferably of the same order as the diameter of the coils. In one preferred embodiment, each member has substantially two complete coils. These features prevent a users hair becoming entangled in the members. Furthermore, the relatively loose curvature of the members enables a user to obtain a relatively loose curl to their hair, if so desired.

The air inlet is preferably substantially tubular. The inner profile of the inlet may be inwardly tapered so as to be able to accommodate hair dryer outlets of a range of different sizes. The inward taper may be provided by a plurality of inwardly angled slats, each separated from its neighbouring slats by slits therebetween. Preferably, the slats are adapted to engage and grip a hair dryer outlet inserted into the inlet, thus facilitating a more secure engagement between the inlet and the hair dryer outlet.

In one preferred embodiment, the diffuser may be provided with additional securing means, to secure the diffuser to the outlet of a hair dryer. The additional securing means may comprise a strap mounted at its ends to opposing side of the inlet and adapted to loop around the said hair dryer to secure the diffuser fitting onto the hair dryer outlet. This enables the diffuser fitting to be fitted securely to hair dryers of a range of sizes. La an alternative embodiment, the strap may be replaced by a pair of straps, each of the pair of straps mounted at one end to opposing side of the inlet and at the other end having fastening means which allows the pair of straps to be connected together. The fastening means may be provided by any suitable means including, but not limited to any one of complementary snap fitting elements, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and locks or non-complementary fastening means such as slider elements or similar.

The strap/straps may be of adjustable length. Additionally or alternatively, the strap/straps may be stretchable. The strap/straps may be mounted to the inlet by any suitable means including but not limited to adhesive, clamping means, hook and loop fasteners, dedicated mounting formations or similar. In alternative embodiments the strap/straps may be replaced by one or more cables, belts or similar.

Preferably, the strap or straps are mounted to the inlet by means of engagement between holes provided in the strap or straps with upstanding lugs provided on the inlet. Most preferably, the strap or straps are adapted so as not to block the air inlet of the hair dryer.

Preferably the diffuser fitting is formed from a plastic material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer comprising: an air inlet, said air inlet adapted to be fitted to the air outlet of a hair dryer and to receive an airflow from said hair dryer; and an air outlet through which the airflow received from said air inlet may exit the diffuser, said air outlet having a bowl like form with a base portion and side walls, the base portion having a plurality of holes through which the received airflow exits the diffuser and wherein the depth of the bowl is of the order of or greater than the diameter of the bowl.

Confining the drying hair within the relatively deep bowl enables hair to be controllably curled and helps to increase or decrease the volume of the dried hair, as desired by the user.

The diffuser fitting of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any features of the diffuser fitting of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.

The diffuser may be provided with additional securing means comprising one or more straps mounted on said inlet and adapted to loop around the said hair dryer to secure the diffuser fitting onto the hair dryer outlet. This provides a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer which is more securely attached to a hair dryer than known diffuser fittings.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair dryer incorporating a diffuser fitting according to the first or second aspects of the present invention.

In order that the invention can be more clearly understood it is now described further below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows an end view, from the inlet end of a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer according to the present invention;

Figure 3 shows an end view, from the outlet end of a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a diffuser fitting for a hair dryer according to the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an additional securing means for the diffuser fitting of the present invention.

Referring now to figure 1, a diffuser fitting 100 for a hair dryer (not shown) comprises an inlet 110 adapted to fit the air outlet of a hair dryer; and an air outlet 120 through which the airflow received from said air inlet 110 may exit the diffuser 100.

The airflow exiting the diffuser 100 via the outlet 120 is slower than that received at the inlet 110. A pair of lugs 116 are also provided on the outer surface of the inlet

110. The lugs 116 enable additional securing means 150 to be mounted on to the diffuser fitting 100

The inlet 110 is substantially tubular in form and as can be seen in figure 2, has a inwardly tapered inner profile. The inner profile is comprised of a plurality of resiliently deformable inwardly angling slats 112. Each slat 112 is separated from its neighbours by a relatively narrow slit 114. In use, the outlet of a hair dryer is inserted into the inlet 110, whereupon the slats 112 are adapted to engage and grip the hair dryer outlet, which helps to secure the diffuser fitting 100 on to the hair dryer outlet. The inward angling and of the slats 112 enable the diffiiser fitting 100 to be used with hair dryer outlets of a range of sizes, larger outlets engaging with the slats closer to the end of the inlet 110 than smaller outlets.

Turning now to figures 3 and 4, the outlet 120 is shown in greater detail. The outlet has a bowl like form comprising a base 122 and sidewalls 124. The tops of the sidewalls 124 form the rim of the bowl and are rounded to protect a users scalp when in use. The base 122 comprises a plate having a plurality of relatively small holes 126 provided therein. The holes 126 allow air received by the inlet 110 to exit into outlet

120. The plate can be substantially flat but alternatively may be curved. The base plate 122 can be flat or curved. If the base plate 122 is curved, it may be adapted such that the base plate 122 smoothly follows the line of the side walls 124 at its edges.

Projecting from the base 122 are a plurality of elongate helical members 128. The helical members 128 have a relatively loose curvature, typically the axial separation of successive coils being of the same order as the diameter of the coils. In the embodiment shown, each member has substantially two complete coils. The tips of the helical members 128 do not extend beyond the tops of the sidewalls 124. The members 128 may be attached directly to the base 122 or may be mounted in mounting means 130 provided on the base 122, as is shown in the figures.

In use, the user places the diffuser fitting 100 against or adjacent to their head. The diffuser fitting 100 restricts the airflow received from a hair dryer such that a user can obtain more controlled drying. In the present invention, the depth of the bowl forming the outlet 120 is of the same order as or greater than the diameter of the bowl. This helps to confine hair within the bowl during drying enabling a user to obtain a more controlled curl (or wave, depending on the natural state of the hair) than is possible with conventional diffusers and helps to control the volume of the dried hair. Additionally, the provision of the helical members 128 helps a user to achieve a controlled loose curl of their hair, even if the hair is very straight. The relatively loose curvature of the helical members 128 prevents hair becoming entangled with the members 128. The smooth surface of each of the members 128 also prevents hair becoming entangled.

Turning now to figure 5, an embodiment of the additional securing means 150 is shown. The additional securing means are adapted to extend around the distal end of the hair dryer and hold the inlet 110 securely in engagement with the hair dryer outlet. In the embodiment shown, the securing means 150 is a strap 152 mounted to the inlet 110 via the releaseable engagement of lugs 116 with corresponding holes 154 provided at each end of the strap 152. There are three holes a, b, c provided at each end of the strap. This enables the strap to be adjusted to fit a variety of different sizes of hair dryer. Typically, the strap 152 is also made of a stretchable material to enable it to fit a variety of different sized hair dryers.

As is shown in figure 5, the strap 152 has a split section or loop 156 which is provided so that the strap 152 does not block the air inlet of the hair dryer. In use, the user will place the diffuser fitting 100 on the outlet of a hair dryer in a conventional manner. The user will then mount the strap 152 on lugs 116 and loop the strap 152 around the end of hair dryer, taking care not to block the air inlet of the hair dryer. The user can adjust the strap 152 for a better fit by varying which of the holes 152 is used to engage with each lug 116.

In alternative embodiments, it is of course possible for the additional securing means to be embodied in a different form. In particular, the additional securing means may comprise two or more separate straps (or other form of elongate flexible member) each mounted to the inlet 110 and joined by fastening means. The fastening means may be provided by any suitable means in alternative embodiments, including, but not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, press studs, buttons, slides, snap fitting elements. The straps may additionally or alternatively be stretchable to enable the diffuser unit to be secured to a range of different sized hair dryers. The mounting of the strap or straps to the inlet may be achieved by any of: mechanical clamping means, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or dedicated mounting formations.

It is of course possible to provide a conventional diffuser fitting with an additional securing means of the type described herein or to provide an additional securing means which can be retro-fitted to conventional diffuser fittings or to diffuser fittings 100 according to the present invention.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments which have been described by way of example only.

Claims

1. A diffuser fitting for a hair dryer comprising: an air inlet, said air inlet adapted to be fitted to the air outlet of a hair dryer and to receive an airflow from said hair dryer; and an air outlet through which the airflow received from said air inlet may exit the diffuser, said air outlet having a bowl like form with a base portion and side walls, the base portion having a plurality of holes through which the received airflow exits the diffuser and wherein a plurality of elongate members project from the base portion, the said members being substantially helical in form.

2. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein the depth of the bowl is of the order of or greater than the diameter of the bowl.

3. A diffuser fitting for a hair dryer comprising: an air inlet, said air inlet adapted to be fitted to the air outlet of a hair dryer and to receive an airflow from said hair dryer; and an air outlet through which the airflow received from said air inlet may exit the diffuser, said air outlet having a bowl like form with a base portion and side walls, the base portion having a plurality of holes through which the received airflow exits the diffuser and wherein the depth of the bowl is of the order of or greater than the diameter of the bowl.

4. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 1 wherein a plurality of elongate members project from the base portion, the said members being substantially

helical in form.

5. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any preceding wherein the base portion

comprises a plate.

6. A diffixser fitting as claimed in claim 5 wherein said plate is substantially concave.

7. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any preceding claim except claim 3 wherein the members do not project beyond the top of the side walls.

8. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any preceding claim except claim 3 wherein the members have a smooth surface.

9. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any preceding claim except claim 3 wherein the axial separation of successive coils of the helical members is of the same order as the diameter of the coils.

10. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the air inlet is substantially tubular.

11. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 10 wherein the inner profile of the inlet is inwardly tapered.

12. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 11 wherein the inward taper is provided by a plurality of inwardly angled slats, each separated from its neighbouring slats by slits therebetween.

13. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 12 wherein the slats are adapted to engage and grip a hair dryer outlet inserted into the inlet.

14. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the diffuser fitting is formed from a plastic material.

15. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the diffuser is provided with additional securing means, to secure the diffuser to the outlet of a hair dryer.

16. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 15 wherein the additional securing means comprises a strap or straps mounted at its ends to opposing sides of the inlet and adapted to loop around the said hair dryer to secure the diffuser fitting onto the hair dryer outlet.

17. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 16 wherein the strap or straps are of adjustable length.

18. A diffuser fitting as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the strap or straps are stretchable.

19. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the strap or straps are mounted to the inlet by means of engagement between holes provided in the strap or straps with upstanding lugs provided on the inlet.

20. A diffuser fitting as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the strap or straps are adapted so as not to block the air inlet of the hair dryer.

21. A hair dryer incorporating a diffuser fitting according to any preceding claim.