Hair styling apparatus with novel bristle configuration

Abstract

A hair styling apparatus ( 10, 100 ) includes a head member ( 14, 102 ) defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of bristle members ( 16, 112 ) mounted to the head member ( 14, 102 ). At least some of the bristle members ( 16, 112 ) have an elongated generally tapered body segment ( 34 ). The tapered body segment ( 34 ) of the at least some of the bristle members ( 112 ) may include at least one aperture ( 114, 116 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A hair styling apparatus, which comprises:
 a head member defining a longitudinal axis: and   a plurality of bristle members mounted to the head member, at least some of the bristle members each having an elongated generally tapered body segment, the tapered body segment defining a dimension at a first end segment proximal the head member greater than a corresponding dimension at a second end segment remote from the head member.   
     
     
         2 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the tapered body segment includes one planar side extending between the first end segment and the second end segment. 
     
     
         3 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the tapered body segment includes first and second opposed planar sides. 
     
     
         4 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the first and second planar sides are arranged in general orthogonal relation to the longitudinal axis of the head member. 
     
     
         5 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the tapered body segment is dimensioned to define a substantially linear taper. 
     
     
         6 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the tapered body segment includes a coating, the coating for facilitating styling of hair. 
     
     
         7 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the second end segment of the at least some of the bristle members defines a narrow profile and being dimensioned to massage a scalp of a user. 
     
     
         8 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the second end segment of the at least some of the bristle members are dimensioned and configured to massage a scalp of a user. 
     
     
         9 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein the second end segment defines a substantially arcuate end surface. 
     
     
         10 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 1  including at least two rows of bristle members. 
     
     
         11 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 1  including a handle member connected to the head member. 
     
     
         12 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 11  including a heater mechanism and a blower mechanism, the blower mechanism arranged to deliver air through the head member. 
     
     
         13 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the tapered body segment of the at least some of the bristle members includes an aperture to facilitate circulation of air emitted by the blower mechanism. 
     
     
         14 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the tapered body segment includes two apertures. 
     
     
         15 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein the tapered body segment defines an internal chamber in communication with the aperture whereby air emitted by the blower mechanism passes through the internal chamber and exits the aperture. 
     
     
         16 . The hair styling apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the tapered body segment of the at least some of the bristle members includes a ceramic coating.