CN116685236A

CN116685236A - Hair care appliance

Info

Publication number: CN116685236A
Application number: CN202280008864.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·J·希金斯; 亚当·乌迪; S·墨菲; S·J·戈登; R·马赛厄斯; N·J·萨达尔; J·T·理查兹
Original assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Current assignee: Sharkninja Operating LLC
Priority date: 2021-11-12
Filing date: 2022-08-08
Publication date: 2023-09-01

Abstract

A hair care appliance is provided. The hair care appliance includes a handle and a body coupled to the handle via a swivel hinge joint. The body is movable via the swivel hinge joint between a straight configuration in which the body is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle and a folded configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The fluid flow path extends between an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body. In both the straight and bent configurations, the hair care appliance can be operated with minimal loss of fluid flow. The hair care appliance includes a fan assembly in the handle and a heater assembly in the body, the fan assembly and heater assembly being positioned to create a balanced centroid of the hair care appliance when operated by a user.

Description

Hair care appliance

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.17/737,518 entitled "Hair Care implement" filed 5 at 2022, U.S. application Ser. No.17/737,565 entitled "Hair Care implement" filed 5 at 2022, U.S. application Ser. No.17/737,596 entitled "Hair Care implement" filed 5 at 2022, each of which claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.63/279,041 entitled "Hair Care implement" filed 12 at 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Hair care appliances are devices for drying and styling hair. The hair care appliance may include various components operable to provide fluid flow via a fluid flow path extending through the device. The fluid flow path receives ambient air and directs the ambient air through the hair care appliance via the motor and fan assembly. The fluid flow path is directed across the heater assembly to generate heated air at the outlet of the hair care appliance. Air is expelled from the hair care appliance via the fluid flow path to enable the user to dry and style the hair. Depending on the hair styling or treatment needs of the user, one or more attachments are often used with hair care appliances.

Disclosure of Invention

Generally, hair care devices and accessories for drying and/or styling hair are provided. In one embodiment, a hair care appliance is provided, which may include: a handle and a body movably coupled to each other at a joint such that the body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body may be longitudinally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body may extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The handle and the body may have a fluid flow path extending through the handle and the body from an inlet in the handle to an outlet in the body, and a first flow diverter disposed in the body and configured to separate fluid in the fluid flow path in both the straight configuration and the bent configuration.

In another embodiment, the shunt may extend in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body. In another embodiment, the hair care appliance may include a second shunt in the handle. The second flow splitter may distribute the fluid flow in the handle in a radially uniform manner. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the joint may extend into the fluid flow path such that the fluid flow passes non-linearly through the joint. In another embodiment, the joint may comprise a swivel joint rotatable about a plane extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle may have a range of about 30 degrees to 50 degrees. In another embodiment, the hair care appliance may include a heater positioned between the first diverter and the outlet. In another embodiment, a hair care appliance may include a heater positioned between the first flow splitter and the outlet, the first flow splitter configured to direct fluid flow through the heater in a radially uniform manner. The first flow divider may be configured to equally divide the fluid flow into upper and lower portions passing through the heater and the outlet. In another embodiment, the first flow splitter may include rounded edges that reduce turbulence of fluid flow across the flow splitter. In another embodiment, the fluid flow path may be sealed within the handle and the body.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance is provided that may include a housing including a handle having an inlet, a body coupled to the handle and having an outlet, and a fluid flow path through the housing between the inlet and the outlet. The body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body extends along a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The hair care appliance may further include a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to generate a flow of fluid at a flow rate along the fluid flow path from the inlet to the outlet. The flow rate in the bent configuration may be no more than 11% less than the flow rate in the straight configuration.

In another embodiment, in the bent configuration, the body may extend obliquely to the handle. In another embodiment, the length of the handle may be greater than the length of the body. In another embodiment, the flow rate in the bent configuration may be in the range of about 18.0m/s to 31.5m/s, and the flow rate in the straight configuration may be in the range of about 18.5m/s to 35.5 m/s. The ratio of the maximum flow rate to the minimum flow rate may be used to demonstrate the uniformity of flow rates provided by the hair care appliance in the bent and straight configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the ratio of the maximum to minimum flow rate in the bent configuration may be about 1.7 and the ratio of the maximum to minimum flow rate in the straight configuration may be about 1.6. In another embodiment, the fan assembly may be disposed within the handle adjacent a pivot joint formed between the handle and the body.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance is provided that may include a handle and a body movably coupled to one another at a joint. The handle and the body may have a fluid flow path extending therethrough between an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body. The handle may have a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a fan assembly having a central shaft and a plurality of fins extending radially outwardly from the central shaft, and a hub disposed between the PCB and the fan assembly. The hub may include a central dome configured to direct fluid flowing around the PCB radially outward toward the plurality of fins.

Generally, hair care devices and accessories for drying and/or styling hair are provided. In one embodiment, a hair care appliance is provided that may include a handle and a body coupled to the handle at a joint such that the body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body may extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The handle and the body may have a center of mass in the folded configuration below a longitudinal axis of the body and forward of the longitudinal axis of the handle.

In another embodiment, the handle may include a first end defining an inlet and a second end at the junction, and the body may include a first end at the junction and a second end defining an outlet. In another embodiment, a printed circuit board may be located within the handle and positioned closer to the first end of the handle than to the second end of the handle. In another embodiment, the motor and fan may be located within the handle and positioned closer to the second end of the handle than to the first end of the handle. In another embodiment, the heater may be located within the body and positioned closer to the second end of the body than to the first end of the body. In another embodiment, a hair care appliance may include a heater assembly, which may be located in the body, and which may have a center point radially offset from a longitudinal axis extending through the handle when the body is in the bent configuration. In another embodiment, the handle and the body may have a center of gravity that may be radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the handle and the body in the bent configuration and the straight configuration. The center of gravity in the folded configuration may be radially offset a distance greater than the center of gravity in the straight configuration is offset from the longitudinal axis.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance is provided that may include a handle and a body coupled to the handle at a joint such that the body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a fully flexed configuration in which the body may extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the handle and the body having an overall length in the straight configuration, and the length of the handle being about 2/3 of the overall length, the length of the body being about 1/3 of the overall length.

In another embodiment, in the straight configuration, the joint may be configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the joint in response to a force in the range of about 3.1N to 3.6N. In another embodiment, in the folded configuration, the joint may be configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the joint in response to a force in the range of about 5.1N to 5.3N. In another embodiment, the joint may be configured to rotate in response to a force in the range of about 3.6N to 4.0N when the joint is in a position between the straight configuration and the fully folded configuration. In another embodiment, the joint may be configured to rotate in response to a torsional force in the range of about 0.1N to 0.7N.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance is provided that may include a housing including a handle and a body coupled to the handle and movable between a straight configuration in which the body may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body may extend along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The hair care appliance may include a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to direct fluid along a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet in the housing to a fluid outlet in the housing. The hair care appliance may include a heater assembly disposed within the housing and configured to heat fluid flowing through the fluid flow path. The body may be cylindrical with a constant outer diameter, and the handle may be cylindrical with a gradually decreasing outer diameter.

In another embodiment, the hair care appliance may include a swivel joint rotatable to move the body relative to the handle in response to actuation of an actuation mechanism in the handle. In another embodiment, the swivel joint may include a snap hinge assembly including a retainer and a washer positioned on the retainer. In another embodiment, the snap hinge assembly may be positioned between a handle hinge plate and a body hinge plate separated by a gap formed between the handle hinge plate and the body hinge plate. In another embodiment, the handle hinge plate may include a first plurality of snap features configured to couple the handle hinge plate to a handle frame and the body hinge plate may include a second plurality of snap features configured to couple the body hinge plate to a body frame.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance is provided that may include a housing having a handle and a body. The housing may have a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path extending through the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The hair care appliance may include a heater assembly disposed in the housing along the fluid flow path and configured to heat fluid flowing through the fluid flow path. The heater assembly may include an inner support structure including a central shaft and a plurality of planar segments extending radially outwardly from the central shaft along the central shaft. Each of the plurality of planar segments may be circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The heater assembly may further include at least one wire element extending circumferentially around the inner support structure such that the inner support structure supports the at least one wire element. Each planar segment of the plurality of planar segments may include a cutout formed therein and configured to allow fluid flow therethrough.

In another embodiment, the heater assembly may further include a thermistor having a first connection wire and a second connection wire, the first connection wire and the second connection wire being mountable to at least one of the plurality of planar segments to suspend the thermistor in the fluid flow path at the fluid outlet. The first wire and the second wire may together form a u-shaped configuration. In another embodiment, the thermistor may be suspended between two adjacent planar segments of the plurality of segments via the first wire and the second wire. The heater assembly may further include a fuse coupled to one of the two adjacent planar segments.

In another embodiment, the hair care appliance may include a swivel hinge joint between the handle and the body. Wires that power the heater assembly may be routed along the periphery of the swivel joint and along the inner surfaces of the handle and the body. In another embodiment, the cutout formed in each of the plurality of planar segments may have a shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a geometric shape, and an ellipsoid shape. In another embodiment, the heater assembly further comprises an ionizer coupled to at least one of the plurality of planar segments. In another embodiment, the heater assembly further comprises a cylindrical housing enclosing the inner support structure and the at least one wire element.

In another aspect, a hair care appliance is provided that may include a housing including a handle having a second end and a first end formed with a fluid inlet, and a body having a first end coupled to the second end of the handle and a second end formed with a fluid outlet. The hair care appliance may include a fluid path extending through the housing between a fluid inlet in the handle and a fluid outlet in the body. The hair care appliance may further comprise a fan assembly disposed in the housing along the fluid path for directing fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The hair care appliance may further include a heater assembly disposed in the housing along the fluid path for heating fluid flowing through the fluid path. The hair care appliance may further include a user interface surface extending along a portion of the handle and including at least one knob for controlling at least one of the fan assembly and the heater assembly. The user interface surface may extend from a first end toward a second end of the handle.

In another embodiment, the fluid inlet may extend at least partially along a circumference of the handle at the first end of the handle, and the user interface surface intersects the fluid inlet. In another embodiment, the at least one knob may be flush or recessed with respect to the user interface surface. In another embodiment, the user interface surface may include an elongated region having opposite edges extending longitudinally along the handle to facilitate gripping of the handle. In another embodiment, the fluid inlet may include a generally C-shaped cylindrical porous outer housing and a filter disposed in the outer housing. In another embodiment, the user interface may intersect the generally C-shaped cylindrical porous outer housing and the filter. In another embodiment, the user interface may be located in a scalloped portion of the handle. In another embodiment, the user interface may include at least one lighting element that illuminates the at least one button or surface of the user interface. In another embodiment, the hair care appliance may further include a blowing button for turning off the heater assembly to flow unheated fluid through the fluid path. In another embodiment, the at least one button controlling the fan assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one speed setting of the fan assembly. In another embodiment, the at least one button controlling the heater assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one temperature setting of the heater assembly.

Drawings

These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance shown in a straight configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 shown in an angled or bent configuration;

FIG. 3 is an end perspective view of the handle of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 1 with the inlet housing removed;

fig. 5 is a side perspective view of the hair care appliance of fig. 1, with the inlet housing and filter removed;

fig. 6 is another side perspective view of the hair care appliance of fig. 1, with the inlet housing and filter removed;

fig. 7 is a top perspective view of the hair care appliance of fig. 1 with the housing removed to show the internal components of the appliance;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 7, showing a swivel hinge joint;

FIG. 10 is a side exploded view of a handle hinge, retainer and washer included in the swivel hinge joint of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the swivel hinge joint of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the partially assembled configuration of the swivel hinge joint of FIG. 11 further including a handle hinge plate mated therewith;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the partially assembled configuration of the swivel hinge joint of FIG. 12 further including a body hinge plate mated therewith;

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of the partially assembled configuration of the swivel hinge joint of FIG. 13 further including a first body frame mated therewith;

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the swivel hinge joint of FIG. 14 further including a heater assembly and wire mated thereto;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a partially assembled configuration of the swivel hinge joint of FIG. 15 further including a second body frame mounted thereto;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the outlet of the swivel joint of FIG. 16 further including a partially assembled configuration of O-rings mated therewith;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1, showing the ratio of handle to body dimensions;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 showing the center of mass and tapered handle shape of the hair care appliance;

FIG. 20 is an end perspective view of a user interface of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a cut-away perspective view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 with the handle housing removed to show internal electrical components;

FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of the bottom of the electrical component shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is another side perspective view of the electrical component of FIG. 21;

fig. 24 is a side perspective view of the hair care appliance of fig. 1, with the handle and body housing removed to show the internal fan assembly;

FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 24;

fig. 26 is a side perspective view of a portion of the hair care appliance of fig. 1, with the outer housing removed to show the internal heater assembly;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance shown in FIG. 26;

fig. 28 is an end perspective view of the heater assembly of fig. 26.

FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 with the outer housing removed, and showing the flow path in a straight configuration;

FIG. 30 is another side perspective view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 with the outer housing removed, and showing the fluid flow path;

FIG. 31 is a plot illustrating flow path test data for the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 in a straight configuration;

FIG. 32 is a plot of flow path test data illustrating the hair care appliance of FIG. 1 in an angled configuration;

FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 1, showing an attachment mating assembly on an end thereof;

FIG. 34 is another side perspective view showing the mating mechanism of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35A is an end perspective view of the attachment fitting assembly of FIG. 33;

fig. 35B is an end perspective view of another embodiment of an attachment mating assembly of the hair care appliance;

FIG. 36 is a cut-away perspective view of the attachment fitting assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a round brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment mating assembly of the round brush attachment of FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of the latch and release mechanism of the round brush attachment of FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective view of the engagement feature of the round brush attachment of FIG. 38;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a crimping attachment configured for use with a hair appliance;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of fluid flowing through the crimping attachment of FIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a crimping attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a crimping attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 47 is a top view of the crimping attachment of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a side view of the crimping attachment of FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the crimping attachment of FIG. 46 in operation;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge crimping attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional end view of the spool assembly of the cartridge crimping attachment of FIG. 50 in operation;

FIG. 52 is another cross-sectional end view of the spool assembly of the cartridge crimping attachment of FIG. 50 in operation;

FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a winding cartridge crimping attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 54 is a side view of the winding barrel crimp attachment of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a round brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 56A is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of FIG. 55 in a neutral configuration;

FIG. 56B is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of FIG. 55 when in use in a first direction;

FIG. 56C is a cross-sectional view of the round brush attachment of FIG. 55 when used in a second direction;

FIG. 57 is a top perspective top view of the alignment feature of the round brush attachment of FIG. 55;

FIG. 58 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a diffuser attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 59 is a bottom perspective view of the diffuser attachment of FIG. 58;

FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment of FIG. 58, showing a disc therein;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment of FIG. 58 showing a fluid flow path therethrough;

FIG. 62 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 63 is a top side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 64 is a bottom side perspective view of the concentrator attachment of FIG. 63;

FIG. 65 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a crimping attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

FIG. 67 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a paddle brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance;

fig. 68 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) enclosure configured for use with the hair care appliance described herein;

Fig. 69 is a front perspective view of the contents of the EMC closure of fig. 68.

Fig. 70 is a rear perspective view of the contents of the EMC closure of fig. 68;

fig. 71 is a perspective view of an ionizer equipped with a heater assembly of the hair care appliance described herein;

FIG. 72 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an attachment mating assembly of a hair care appliance;

FIG. 73 is a perspective view of an attachment mating ferrule of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is a side perspective view of the attachment actuator assembly and attachment mating ferrule of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 75 is a side perspective view of an attachment actuator assembly of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 76A is a cross-sectional view of an attachment actuator assembly coupled with the attachment mating ferrule of FIG. 73;

FIG. 76B is a cut-away cross-sectional view of an attachment actuator assembly coupled with the attachment mating ferrule of FIG. 73;

FIG. 77 is an end perspective view of the outlet grill of the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 78 is a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a diffuser attachment configured for use with the attachment fitting assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 79 is a bottom perspective view of the diffuser attachment of FIG. 78;

FIG. 80 is a top perspective cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment of FIG. 78;

FIG. 81 is a cross-sectional view of the diffuser attachment of FIG. 78;

FIG. 82A is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance including the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 82B is a bottom view of the concentrator attachment of FIG. 82A;

FIG. 82C is a side perspective view of the concentrator attachment of FIG. 82A;

FIG. 83A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a crimping attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance comprising the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 83B is a cross-sectional view of the crimping attachment of FIG. 83A;

FIG. 84A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a round brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance comprising the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 84B is a cutaway perspective view of the round brush attachment of FIG. 84A;

FIG. 85A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a paddle brush attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance including the attachment mating assembly of FIG. 72;

FIG. 85B is a cutaway perspective view of the paddle brush attachment of FIG. 84A;

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a gas separation structure of the paddle brush of FIG. 85A;

FIG. 87A is a side view of a hair care appliance, showing an experimental method for determining the center of gravity of the hair care appliance described herein in a straight configuration;

FIG. 87B is a side view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 87A, showing the position of the center of gravity of the hair care appliance described herein in a straight configuration;

FIG. 88A is a side view of a hair care appliance, showing an experimental method for determining the center of gravity of the hair care appliance described herein in a bent configuration;

FIG. 88B is a side view of the hair care appliance of FIG. 88A, showing the position of the center of gravity of the hair care appliance described herein in a folded configuration;

FIG. 89A is a cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance, showing the position of the printed circuit board of the hair care appliance in a straight configuration;

FIG. 89B is a cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance, showing the position of the motor of the hair care appliance in a straight configuration;

FIG. 89C is a cross-sectional view of the hair care appliance, showing the position of the heater of the hair care appliance in a straight configuration; and is also provided with

Fig. 90 is a partial perspective view of a hair care appliance showing the location of the heater of the hair care appliance in a bent configuration.

Note that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Various exemplary hair care appliances and accessories for use with the hair care appliances are provided herein. Generally, hair care appliances are in the form of hair dryers having an elongated generally cylindrical configuration in which a handle and a body are movably coupled to one another. The handle is configured to move relative to the body to transition the appliance from a straight configuration to a bent configuration, allowing a user to select a desired configuration based on an intended use. The hair care appliance also includes various internal components that facilitate the use and handling of the hair care appliance. Various accessories are also provided for use with the hair care appliance, and the configuration of the appliance may vary based on the type of accessory with which the hair care appliance is to be fitted. In some embodiments, the accessory may limit the construction of the hair care appliance. For example, at least one fitment is provided that mates with the hair dryer in a straight configuration and prevents the hair care appliance from moving to a bent configuration. On the other hand, other accessories may be mated in a manner that enables the use of a blower in a selected configuration. In some embodiments, the accessory may attach the hair care appliance in a permanently fixed position. In other aspects, a hair care appliance is provided without a swivel hinge joint. In such embodiments, one hair care appliance may be provided having a straight configuration, and a second hair care appliance may be provided having an angled configuration. The accessories described herein may be used with any of the foregoing hair care appliances, or with any other hair care appliance known in the art.

Fig. 1 and 2 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a hair care appliance 100 shown in a straight configuration and a bent configuration, respectively. As shown, the hair care appliance 100 generally includes a handle 110 movably coupled to a body 120 by a swivel hinge joint 300. In the straight configuration shown in fig. 1, the appliance 100 has a generally elongated cylindrical shape. The handle 110 has an inlet 112 at a first end of the appliance 100 and the body has an outlet 122 at a second end of the appliance. A fluid flow path P shown by a broken line is formed between the inlet 112 and the outlet 122. The swivel hinge joint 300 formed between the handle 110 and the body 120 may be articulated via user operation to change the configuration of the hair care appliance 100 and the fluid flow path P from a straight configuration to a bent or angled configuration. As shown in fig. 2, the handle 110 and the body 120 are angled with respect to each other due to the articulation of the swivel joint 300. As a result, the fluid flow path P, shown by the dashed line, is angled between the handle 110 and the body 120.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hair care appliance 100 may be operated with the swivel joint 300 unlocked, and/or with the swivel joint 300 rotated to any position between the positions of the swivel joint 300 in the straight configuration and the angled configuration. In other aspects, the hair care appliance 100 and the swivel joint 300 may be configured to prevent the swivel joint 300 from over-rotating beyond its position in the angled configuration. As shown in fig. 1, the hair care appliance 100 may be configured in a fully straight configuration in which the swivel hinge locks the body in longitudinal alignment with the handle. As shown in fig. 2, the hair care appliance 100 may be configured in a fully folded configuration in which the swivel hinge locks the body angularly relative to the handle. The hair care appliance 100 may also be configured in a rotated configuration in which the swivel hinge positions the body relative to the handle in a range of angular positions between a fully straight configuration and a fully flexed configuration.

The handle 110 may include various internal electrical components 400 for operating the appliance. In general, the handle may include an electrical component 400, and the electrical component 400 may control the operation of the fan assembly 500 disposed within the handle 110 and the heater assembly 600 disposed in the body 120. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the fan assembly 500 may be placed downstream of the swivel joint 300 and proximate to the heater assembly 600, the heater assembly 600 being disposed upstream of the swivel joint 300. This helps to improve fluid flow within the hair care appliance 100. The fan assembly 500 is capable of generating a fluid flow along the fluid flow path P such that air is drawn into the inlet 112, through the handle 110, and into the body 120 for discharge via the outlet 122. As the air passes through the body 120, the air may be heated via the heater assembly 600.

The electrical component 400 may be configured to be coupled to a power supply 410. Fig. 3 illustrates a power supply line 130 extending from the base of the handle 110. The power supply cord 130 may have a terminal (not shown) configured to be coupled to a power source, e.g., the terminal may be configured to plug into an electrical outlet. The power supply line 130 may include internal electrical wires for delivering power to the electronics in the handle 110. The power supply line 130 may be connected to an electronics housing containing at least one controller or PCB. As also shown in fig. 3, the handle 110 may include a scalloped portion (scalloped portion) 403 and the user interface 401 may be located at the scalloped portion 403.

As also shown in fig. 3, the end of the handle 110 may include a filter assembly 200 for filtering air drawn through the inlet 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter extends around the proximal end of the handle 110, but the filter is not formed in the end wall of the handle 110. Thereby, the fluid D is sucked circumferentially around the side wall of the handle 110. The illustrated filter assembly 200 includes a generally C-shaped inlet housing 220, and the inlet housing 220 is flexible to allow removal for cleaning. The user interface 401 may intersect the inlet housing 220. The inlet housing 220 has a plurality of holes through which fluid can flow into the fluid flow path. The holes may have any configuration and may be arranged in any pattern. The inlet housing 220 may cover a filter 230 positioned behind the inlet housing, as shown in fig. 4 with the inlet housing 220 removed. The filter 230 may be a porous element configured to block debris and hair that may have entered the inlet housing 220, thereby preventing debris from entering the fluid flow path P. As also shown in fig. 4, the electrical component 400 may be positioned just downstream of the filter, upstream of the fan assembly 500, whereby the fluid flow path P flows over and around the electrical component 400 as fluid is drawn toward and into the operating fan assembly 500. This may help cool the electrical component 400.

Appliance shell

The remainder of the handle 110 is formed by a first handle housing 114a and a second handle housing 114b, the first and second handle housings 114a, 114b being mated together in a clamshell configuration to enclose the interior components. In some embodiments, the handle 110 may comprise a single handle housing, such as a sleeve. First handle housing 114a and second handle housing 114b may snap together, although other attachment mechanisms are also contemplated. The inlet housing 220 may be engaged with the first and second handle housings 114a, 114 b. The hair care appliance 100 also includes a body housing 124. In some embodiments, the body 120 may be formed of a plurality of housings that mate with one another.

The handle housing 114a, 114b and the body housing 124 may include a surface treatment configured to assist a user in gripping the hair care appliance 100 and/or rotating the swivel hinge 300 to change the configuration of the hair care appliance 100 from a straight configuration to a bent configuration (and vice versa). In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 5, the surface treatment may include scoring grooves (such as scoring spiral grooves) in the body housing 124. In some embodiments, the surface treatment may include a painted or similarly coated surface treatment.

The appliance may also include a plurality of internal housings or frames. As shown in fig. 7 with the outer housings 114a, 114b, 124 removed, the hair care appliance 100 includes a first handle frame 116a and a second handle frame 116b configured within the handle 110. The first and second handle frames 116a, 116b may mate with one another via a snap-fit or similar attachment method or mechanism, such as a friction fit, screw, or rivet. The hair care appliance 100 may further include a first body frame 126a and a second body frame 126b disposed within the body 120. The first and second body frames 126a, 126b may mate with one another via a snap-fit or similar attachment method or mechanism, such as a friction fit, screw, or rivet.

The fan assembly cover 502 may be disposed within the handle 110 and may be mounted to the second handle frame 116b. In some embodiments, the first handle frame 116a may extend to form a fan assembly cover, rather than having a separate cover. The electrical component 420 may be disposed between the first handle frame 116a and the second handle frame 116b. The electrical component 400 may be coupled to either of the first and second handle frames 116a, 116b or to both the first and second handle frames 116a, 116b. As shown in fig. 8, the second handle frame 116b may be disposed along the bottom of the hair care appliance 100.

Hinge joint

As described above, the body 120 and the handle 110 are engaged with each other at the swivel joint 300. The swivel joint 300 may have a variety of configurations, but in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the swivel joint 300 includes a handle hinge plate 302 configured relative to the handle 110 and a body hinge plate 306 configured relative to the body 120. The handle hinge plate 302 and the body hinge plate 306 may be separated by a gap so that the handle 110 and the body 120 may rotate relative to each other in a smooth, unimpeded manner. In some embodiments, handle hinge plate 302 and body hinge plate 306 may include a surface finish or coating material. In some embodiments, the swivel hinge joint 300 may be configured at an angle between 30 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The swivel joint 300 may be rotated in a first direction to an angled configuration and rotated in a second direction back to a straight configuration.

The swivel joint 300 is shown in more detail in fig. 10-17. As shown, an articulation joint 300 is formed between the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126a of the handle partially shown in fig. 10-17. In other embodiments, the swivel hinge joint 300 may be a separately formed element that is capable of coupling to the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126 a. The second handle frame 116b may provide a structural mating surface for mating to the first body frame 126a, which when the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126a are coupled together, can form the swivel hinge joint described herein.

As also shown in fig. 10, the swivel hinge joint may include a snap hinge assembly 310. Snap hinge assembly 310 may include a retainer 312 and a gasket 314 fitted over retainer 312 and surrounding retainer 312. As shown in fig. 11, the retainer 312 may be snap or friction fit into the second handle frame 116b by seating the retainer within the opening 320, the opening 320 forming a fluid flow path in the swivel hinge joint 300 between the handle 110 and the body 120. The holder 312 may be formed of a high friction material such as nylon, teflon, or a similar plastic material so as to be able to easily rotate the handle 110 and the body 120. As also shown in fig. 11, a gasket 314 may be secured to the retainer 312. The second handle frame 116b may include a plurality of snap features 304.

As shown in FIG. 12, the handle hinge plate 302 may be coupled to the second handle frame 116b via a snap feature 304. The handle hinge plates 302 may include corresponding snap features on a surface opposite the snap features 304 to secure the handle hinge plates 302 to the second handle frame 116b.

As shown in FIG. 13, the body hinge plate 306 may be configured to be coupled to the first body frame 720 and/or the second body frame 725. The body hinge plate 306 may be formed of a similar material as the handle hinge plate 302. The body hinge plate 306 may include a plurality of snap features 308 configured to couple with one or more body frames.

As shown in FIG. 14, first body frame 126a may be coupled to body hinge plate 306 via one or more snap features 308. As shown in fig. 15, the wire W may be routed through the second handle frame 116b and through the opening 320 to couple with a heater assembly 600 disposed within the body of the hair care appliance. The wire W may advantageously be routed around the periphery of the fluid flow path traversing the second handle frame 116b, the opening 320, and the first body frame 126a (and the second body frame 126 b). In this way, obstruction of fluid flow within the fluid flow path may be minimized or reduced. The wire W may be located directly on the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126a (or the second body frame 126 b) or immediately adjacent to the second handle frame 116b and the first body frame 126a (or the second body frame 126 b).

As shown in fig. 16, the second body frame 126b may be coupled to the first body frame 126a via a plurality of snap features 128. In this manner, the first body frame 126a and the second body frame 126b may form the outlet 122 at the distal end of the body (and the hair care appliance 100). As shown in fig. 17, an O-ring 150 or similar annular flexible member may be applied to the terminal ends of the coupled first and second body frames 126a and 126b to secure the engagement of the first and second body frames 126a and 126b with each other. The O-ring 150 may also provide a flexible interface for an outlet frame structure configured to couple to the first body frame 126a and the second body frame 126b at the outlet end of the hair care appliance 100.

The appliance may also have a shape that facilitates gripping. As shown in FIG. 19, the body 120 of the appliance is cylindrical, however the handle 110 may be along the entire handle length L _h Has a tapered cylindrical shape. In particular, the profile or diameter of the handle 110 may be varied from the first position T ₁ A second position T at the terminal end of the handle 110 (at a distance from the articulation joint 300) ₂ Change such that the second position T ₂ Having a position T which is greater than the first position T ₁ Is smaller in diameter. This may allow a user to more easily grasp the appliance with a larger profile or diameter for the internal components (such as the heater assembly) at the joint 300 and in the body.

In use, the swivel hinge allows a user to easily transition the hair care appliance from a straight configuration to an angled configuration with minimal or no reduction in flow rate or pressure. This may be advantageous when different styling treatments are performed quickly in sequence, or when using the attachment of the hair care appliance. To facilitate movement between the straight configuration and the angled or bent configuration, the hair care appliance 100 may include an actuation mechanism 340 shown in fig. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 340 is in the form of a slidable knob that is arranged against a spring of the actuation mechanism such that retraction of the actuation mechanism 340 will cause the spring to load and release the latch mechanism of the swivel joint 300 so that the swivel joint can rotate between a straight configuration and a bent configuration, as will be discussed in more detail below. Once the user has rotated the swing joint 300 to the second configuration, the user can release the actuation mechanism 340 and the latch mechanism of the swing joint 300 can be re-engaged to secure the swing joint 300 in the second configuration.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the amount of force required to release the hair care appliance 100 from the straight configuration and allow rotation to the angled configuration may vary. For example, the amount of force used to release the body 120 from the handle 110 in the straight configuration to initiate rotation of the articulation joint 300 to the angled configuration may be 3.1N to 3.6N. The amount of force required to rotate the body 120 relative to the handle 110 in the angled configuration may be 3.6N to 4.0N. The swivel hinge 300 of the hair care appliance 100 may also be configured to require a certain amount of force to release the appliance from the angled configuration to allow rotation to the straight configuration. The amount of force used to release the body 120 from the handle 110 in the angled configuration to initiate rotation of the articulation joint 300 to the straight configuration may be 5.1N to 5.3N. The swivel joint 300 may also be configured to require a certain amount of force to move the appliance from the rotated position to a straight or angled configuration. For example, the amount of force to move the body 120 into a straight configuration with the handle 110 may be 4.5N to 5.3N. The amount of force to move the body 120 to the angled configuration with the handle 110 may be 6.2N to 6.7N. The torsional force required to rotate the swivel joint 300 may vary, but in an exemplary embodiment it may be between about 0.1N and 0.7N. In other aspects, the swivel hinge joint 300 may be configured to release, rotate, and move the body 120 relative to the handle 110 to provide consistent tactile feedback when the body 120 is adjusted to a straight or angled configuration.

As previously described, fully assembled in the toolIn this case, the appliance 100 may have an elongated cylindrical configuration as a whole. Although the cross-sectional shape and size of the handle 110 and the body 120 may vary, in an exemplary embodiment, the handle 110 is longer than the body 120. In the case of hair care appliance 100 in a straight configuration, the appliance may have an overall length L, as shown in FIG. 18 _t . The swivel hinge joint axis a may divide the device 100 into handle lengths L _h And a body length L _b . In an exemplary embodiment, handle length L _h Is the total length L _t And a body length L of about 2/3 _b Is the total length L _t Is about 1/3 of that of the above. However, handle length L _h Length L of main body _t The ratio of (c) may vary. In some embodiments, the overall length L of the appliance 100 in the straight configuration _t In the range of about 26.0cm to 31.0 cm. In the exemplary embodiment, the overall length L of the appliance 100 is in a straight configuration _t 28.5cm. In the bent or angled configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, the handle length L _h In the range of about 19.5cm to 24.5cm, and a body length L _b In the range of about 8.5cm to 13.5 cm. In an exemplary embodiment, handle length L _h 22.0cm. In an exemplary embodiment, body length L _b 11.0cm.

The appliance 100 may also be configured to have a centroid as follows: the centroid properly balances the appliances in the user's hand in the folded configuration. The centroid of the appliance 100 may be such that the masses are equally distributed in all directions and are not dependent on the location of the gravitational field. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 19, hair care appliance 100 has a center of mass M that is forward of handle 110 and below body 120. The configuration of the components in the handle 110 and body 120 may advantageously configure the centroid M as shown to provide an enhanced user-holding and handling experience of the hair care appliance 100 while the user is easily holding the hair care appliance in their hand. In particular, the centroid may be located forward of the handle and below the body to ensure neutral anatomical manipulation and reduce user fatigue when holding the hair care appliance in the user's hand. The motor 520 may be aligned with the heater assembly 600 to balance the centroid M.

Fig. 87A-88B illustrate an exemplary method for determining a center of gravity. The Center of Gravity (CG) of the tool 100 is dependent on the gravitational field and is the location where the masses are equally distributed in all directions. As shown in fig. 87A, the hair care appliance 100 may be divided into an appliance part 100A and a power supply part 100B. CG of the appliance portion 100A may be determined by measuring the mass and position of components included in the handle 110 and the body 120. CG is determined using computer aided design software constructed with a gravity center function (defining component position based on design parameters and assigning component mass based on component material type).

In the illustrated embodiment, the position of the CG of the appliance 100A is shown in fig. 87B, and the appliance 100 is in a straight configuration. The CG shown is located 150.5mm from the base of the handle 110 (e.g., where the inlet 112 is located) as measured along an axis a extending through the center of the implement portion 100A. The CG is offset radially outwardly from axis a by 0.6mm, thereby being positioned on axis B extending through the CG.

In fig. 88A, hair care appliance 100 is shown in an angled configuration. In fig. 88B, CG of the appliance 100A is located 137.1mm from the base of the handle 110 (e.g., where the inlet 112 is located) as measured along an axis a extending through the center of the appliance 100A. CG is offset radially outwardly from axis a and is located at a distance of 12.0mm from axis a, as indicated by axis C extending through the CG.

In fig. 89A-89C, the positions of the PCB 420, motor 520, and heater assembly 600 are shown as measured from the base of the handle 110 (e.g., where the inlet 112 is) of the appliance portion 100A in a straight configuration. As shown in fig. 89A, the center of the PCB 420 is 82.43mm from the base of the handle 110. As shown in fig. 89B, the center of motor 520 is 150.63mm from the base of handle 110. As shown in fig. 89C, the center of the heater assembly 600 is 255.11mm from the base of the handle 110. In fig. 90, the position of the center of the heater assembly 600 is shown for the appliance portion 100A in an angled configuration. The position of the heater assembly 600 may be measured from an axis a that extends from the base of the handle 110 (e.g., the location where the inlet 112 is configured) through the center of the handle 110 and the body 120. In the angled configuration, the heater assembly may be 56.29mm from axis a and 189.22mm from axis D corresponding to the base of the handle 110. The positions of the PCB 420 and motor 520 in the angled configuration may be the same as those described with reference to fig. 89A-89C corresponding to their positions in the straight configuration of the appliance portion 100A.

User interface

The handle may also include a user interface 401 for enabling a user to provide inputs for operating the appliance, as shown in fig. 20. In particular, the user interface may include one or more buttons or switches for turning the hair care appliance on and off, adjusting the temperature setting of the heater assembly (and thereby the temperature of the fluid heated by the heater assembly), and adjusting the fan speed of the fan assembly (and thereby the speed of the fluid discharged through the outlet). The user interface may also provide a button or switch for disengaging the heater assembly to provide cooled, unheated fluid from the outlet.

While the user interface may be positioned at various locations, in an exemplary embodiment, the user interface 401 extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the handle 110. As shown in fig. 20, the user interface 401 extends from the base (i.e., endmost) of the handle, and as shown, the user interface 401 intersects the filter assembly 200 and may extend toward the swivel joint 300, terminating at a small distance from the swivel joint 300. The user interface 401 may be provided on a scalloped portion of the handle having raised edges along opposite sides of the user interface 401 to facilitate the user's gripping of the handle 110. User interface 401 may extend between first handle housing 114a and second handle housing 114 b. In another embodiment, the user interface 401 may intersect with the filter 230.

Wires coupling the user interface to an electrical component (e.g., a printed circuit board) may be routed to the sides of the user interface, rather than directly under the user interface, to ensure that the fluid flow path is unrestricted or restricted from fluid flow.

As described above, the user interface 401 may include one or more buttons or engagement features configured to control the operation of the hair care appliance based on user input. For example, the user interface 401 may include a blowing feature 402. The blowing feature 402 may cause the heater assembly 600 to shut off such that only unheated air is expelled through the outlet. In some implementations, the blowing feature 402 may be remote from the user interface 401, or other features located within the user interface 401 but remote from the user interface.

The user interface 401 may also include a fan setting feature 404. The fan setting feature 404 may be configured to control the speed of the fan assembly 500. The fan setting feature 404 may be repeatedly selected to create high, medium, and low speed fluid flows through the fan assembly 500.

The user interface 401 may also include a temperature setting feature 406. The temperature setting feature 406 may be configured to control the temperature of the heater assembly 600 and, thus, the temperature of the fluid flow exiting the outlet 122 of the hair care appliance 100. The temperature setting feature 406 may be repeatedly selected to heat the fluid stream to very high, medium, or low temperatures. In some embodiments, the high temperature setting may cause the heater assembly to heat the fluid stream to 100 ℃.

As also shown in fig. 20, the user interface 401 may include a power feature 410. The power feature 410 may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply of the hair care appliance to the electrical component. As described above, the user interface 401 may include one or more haptic features 408. The tactile feature 408 may be a raised edge or gripping feature configured to improve the user's grip and manual dexterity when holding or manipulating the hair care appliance.

In some implementations, features of the user interface 401 may be configured to avoid accidental engagement by a user. For example, these features may be concave and require explicit engagement to trigger a particular user engagement feature. The low profile or recessed design of the buttons or switches of the user interface may enable a user to operate the hair care appliance without erroneously touching unintended buttons or switches. In some implementations, any of the features of the user interface 401 described herein may be configured with a lighting or illumination element capable of illuminating a button, switch, or surface of the user interface 401 (such as an inner or lower surface of the user interface). The configuration and contouring of the user interface features described herein may be provided in a variety of non-limiting configurations on the handle of the hair care appliance described herein.

Electronic device

As previously described, the hair care appliance may include a power supply coupled to the inlet end (e.g., proximal end) of the handle. The power supply portion may extend through the inlet end and may provide power to electrical components configured within the handle and the body. The electrical component may be coupled to the power supply via a cable or wire. The electrical components may include one or more Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) as well as portions of the fan assembly (e.g., motor) and portions of the heater assembly (e.g., heating element). The PCBs may be disposed in fluid flow paths within the handle and may be disposed relative to each other in a manner so as to provide a gap between the PCBs to allow fluid to more easily flow through the fluid flow paths in the handle. For example, a first PCB may be disposed above or below a second PCB, and a gap may separate the two PCBs. Advantageously, placing the PCB in the fluid flow path also enables cooling of components configured on the PCB.

The PCB may include components such as resistors and capacitors that may be configured on the PCB. The configuration of the PCB components may be configured to maximize fluid flow across the PCB. For example, the PCB components may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow path, rather than transversely to the fluid flow path, to provide more efficient fluid flow within the fluid flow path across the PCB.

The electrical components of the hair care appliance may be coupled to each other and to the power supply via one or more connectors. The connector may engage a portion of the wire and electrically couple the electrical component. The configuration of the connector may be such as to ensure that fluid flow is maintained through the fluid flow path and not reduced. For example, the connector may be positioned as close as possible to the underside of the PCB of the power supply. In some embodiments, the connector associated with the motor and heater assembly may be configured at a distal end of the PCB (e.g., an edge of the PCB closest to the motor and heater assembly) and may include wires oriented longitudinally parallel to the fluid flow path. The wires between the connectors may also be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the body and the fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. In some embodiments, a User Interface (UI) PCB assembly may be separate from the main PCB assembly to reduce hair ingress from the UI.

Fig. 21 shows the internal electrical components of the hair care appliance. As shown, the handle 110 may receive a power supply that may be electrically coupled to one or more PCBs 420. The PCB 420 may also be electrically coupled to one or more features 402, 404, 406, 410 of the user interface 401 described in connection with fig. 20. PCB 420 may also be electrically coupled to fan assembly 500 and heater assembly 600 located in body 120 of hair care appliance 100. The electrical coupling between the PCB and the power supply 410, the user interface features 402, 404, 406, 410, the fan assembly 500, and the heater assembly 600 may be accomplished via one or more connectors and one or more wires. For example, the wire W may be configured to couple the PCB 420 to the heater assembly 600. The wire W may be configured peripherally with respect to the opening extending through the swivel joint 300 such that fluid flow through the handle 110 and the swivel joint 300 into the body 120 is not blocked or reduced.

Fig. 21 shows a fluid flow path P illustrated with a broken line flowing over and through an electrical component. The configuration of the PCB 420, user interface features 402, 404, 406, 410, and wire W may be configured to maximize the flow of fluid with minimal velocity or pressure drop as the fluid passes along the fluid flow path F. The flow splitter 504 may also help to effectively distribute the fluid flow to the fan assembly 500.

As shown in fig. 22, the first PCB 420a and the second PCB 420b may be separated from each other by a gap or space 430. The height or size of the gap or space 430 may be configured to maximize fluid flow within a fluid flow path extending through the handle and on/around the PCB 420. In some embodiments, the gap may be 1.5mm to 2.0mm. In certain exemplary embodiments, the gap may be 1.84mm. The second PCB 420b may be configured to control the user interface and the external controller. The second PCB 420b may be positioned such that it restricts hair from entering the first PCB 420A. As also shown in fig. 22, PCB 420 may include several different electrical components including, but not limited to, connector 440, capacitor 450, processor 460, and resistors, transistors, diodes, circuits, sensors, or electromechanical components. A heat sink or shield 470 may also be configured for one or more PCBs 420. In some embodiments, the weight of electrical component 400 may be 46.1g.

As shown in fig. 23, PCB 420 may include Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) 480. The PCB 420 may also include a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) sensor 490. The configuration of the MOV 480 and the NTC sensor 490 can be provided on the PCB 420 to reduce the fluid flow resistance caused by the shape of the MOV 480 and the NTC sensor 490. For example, as shown in fig. 23, the MOV 480 and NTC sensor 490 can be mounted vertically such that a narrower cross-section of each component connects with the fluid flow interface through the fluid flow path P.

The electrical component 400 may be coupled to a power supply 410. As shown in fig. 68, the power supply portion 410 may be coupled to the power supply line 130. The power supply line 130 may include an EMC closure 6800 configured between a terminal end of the power supply line 130 and the hair care appliance 100. The EMC enclosure 6800 can include a cover or housing 6805. As shown in fig. 69, the housing 6805 has been removed to illustrate a front view of electrical components 6810 that may be disposed on a PCB 6815 within the EMC enclosure 6800. The back side of PCB 6815 can be seen in fig. 70.

As described above, placement of electrical components on the PCB is optimized to maintain fluid flow along the fluid flow path. Similarly, a PCB may include a space or gap between two PCBs such that fluid can flow through the gap and around each PCB. In this way, the electrical components on the PCB receive cooling effects from the fluid flow and the fluid flow path is not blocked, such that the fluid flow is maintained with minimal reduction in fluid velocity.

Fan assembly

As previously described, the fan assembly 500 is positioned downstream of the electrical components. The fan assembly 500 is positioned to balance within the handle 110 and also adjacent the swivel joint 300 to improve fluid flow. The fan assembly typically includes a motor coupled to an impeller or fan having a plurality of blades. Positioning the motor in the handle in a position where the user will hold the hair care appliance can advantageously reduce vibration of the motor during operation. In operation, the motor may rotate the fan to draw fluid into the inlet of the handle and the fluid flow path. Fluid may be drawn toward the fan and discharged over the heater assembly and out of the hair care appliance via the outlet.

As shown in fig. 24, the fan assembly 500 is located along the fluid flow path P in front of the electrical component 400 and immediately downstream of the swivel joint along the fluid flow path at the distal end of the handle. In this way, the fan assembly may provide improved fluid flow through the heater assembly and outlet into the body through the swivel hinge joint (such as in an angled configuration), with minimal reduction in fluid flow. Placing the fan assembly 500 in the handle 110 also advantageously reduces vibrations of the fan assembly 500 when operated due to the insulating effect of the user's hand. In some embodiments, the weight of the fan assembly 500 may be 71.6g.

As shown, the fan assembly 500 includes a housing 506 that covers the motor and fan blades of the fan assembly 500. In some embodiments, the fan assembly housing 506 may be a rubber isolation damper. The fan assembly 500 may also include a flow splitter 504. The flow splitter 504 may be configured in a fluid flow path P extending from the inlet 112 to the outlet 122. In particular, the flow splitter 504 can include a dome 508 coupled to an annular frame 510 by one or more dome supports 512. Dome 508 may be configured to distribute fluid flow radially through fan assembly housing 506 and onto the peripheral edges of the fan blades. In this manner, the fan blades of the fan contained within the fan housing 506 may receive a uniform distribution of fluid flow, thereby allowing the fan to create a uniform fluid flow distribution downstream of the fan assembly 500 (e.g., toward the outlet 122).

As shown in fig. 25, the fan assembly 500 may include a motor 520 and a fan 530. The fan 530 may be coupled to a central shaft extending from the motor 520. The fan 530 may include a plurality of fan blades 532. In operation, motor 520 may rotate fan 530 and draw fluid into the inlet of handle 110 and along the fluid flow path toward diverter 504. The dome 508 may distribute the fluid flow to the outer edges of the fan blades 532, thereby effectively maintaining the volume of fluid and the velocity of the fluid. Fluid flow may enter the motor frame 522 from the fan blades 532. The motor frame 522 may include curved fins disposed downstream of the fan to smooth and straighten the flow of fluid exiting the fan. The fan assembly 500 may direct fluid flow through the swivel joint 300 and toward a flow splitter 602 located upstream of the heater assembly 600 in the body 120 (e.g., toward the fan assembly 500). In some embodiments, the fan assembly is capable of producing a fluid flow at a speed of between 25m/s and 35 m/s.

Heater assembly

As described above, the hair care appliance may include a heater assembly in the body 120. The heater assembly may be configured to control the temperature of the fluid flow between 60 degrees celsius and 100 degrees celsius. The heater assembly may be spaced apart from the swivel joint to provide a smooth, uniform fluid flow of fluid into the heater assembly. The heater assembly may be positioned in a fluid flow path extending through the body and may heat the fluid as it is provided to the outlet of the body. The heater assembly may include an internal support structure including a central axis and a plurality of planar segments extending radially along and from the central axis. The planar segments may have cut-outs therein to ensure that fluid flow is maximized as the fluid passes through the heater assembly. One or more heating elements may be configured on the planar segment and may be coupled to the PCB in the handle via a cable or wire. The heater assembly wires may be positioned immediately adjacent and along the handle, swivel joint, and inner surface of the body such that the fluid flow path is unobstructed and fluid flow is reduced. The heater assembly 600 may also include an ionizer 7100 as shown in fig. 71. The ionizer 7100 can include an ion emitter 7105 in the heated fluid flow path P. In some embodiments, the heater assembly 600 may weigh 29.9g.

The heater assembly may further include at least one thermistor and at least one fuse, each of which may be electrically coupled to the PCB via a wire. The thermistor may be configured to measure temperature data of fluid flowing through the heater assembly. The fuse may be configured as a safety switch or electrical circuit breaker, which when a fault occurs will break the current supplied to the heating element to prevent overheating of the heater assembly. The thermistor and fuse may be located at the outlet end of the body and may be located at the upper portion of the heater assembly to further ensure that fluid flowing through the heater assembly is evenly distributed between the upper and lower portions of the heater assembly and radially within the body. In some embodiments, the thermistor and fuse may be located on the same planar segment. In other embodiments, the thermistor and fuse may be located on different planar segments. In some embodiments, the heater assembly may include a thermal circuit breaker (TCO) configured on the planar segment and electrically coupled to the thermistor and the fuse. The TCO may be a resettable thermal control component that may be programmed to de-energize the heating element when the temperature of the fluid exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Fig. 26 illustrates the heater assembly 600 in more detail. As shown, the heater assembly includes a plurality of heating elements 604 configured on one or more planar segments 606 of an internal support structure 608. The wire W may electrically couple the heater assembly 600 to the electrical component 400 and the power supply portion 410 described in connection with fig. 21 to provide power to the heater assembly 600. The wire W may be routed through the swing joint 155 along an inner surface of the body frame forming the periphery of the swing joint 300. In this manner, disturbances to the fluid flow within the fluid flow path through the swivel joint 300 may be minimized and the flow rate and pressure maintained in an evenly distributed flow pattern provided to the heater assembly 600.

As shown in fig. 27, one or more of the planar segments 606 may include a cutout portion 606c configured to equalize fluid flow through the heater assembly 600. The cutout 606c may allow fluid flow to equalize in a uniform manner while flowing through the heater assembly 600. The cut-out 606c enables the planar segment 606 to support the heating element 604 while also creating space to equalize and evenly distribute the fluid flow as it flows through the heater assembly 600. The cutout 606c may have a variety of non-limiting shapes and sizes. For example, the cutout portion 606c may include a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a geometric shape, or an ellipsoid shape. In some embodiments, the cutout portion 606c may extend longitudinally along a majority of the planar segment 606. In some embodiments, the cutout 606c may extend radially over the planar segment 606. In some embodiments, the cutout 606c may extend in a curved pattern over the planar segment.

In some embodiments, the planar segment 606 may be configured in various non-limiting configurations relative to a central portion of the inner support structure 608. For example, the plurality of planar segments may be configured as spokes extending radially outward from a central portion of the inner support structure 608. In some embodiments, the internal support structure 608 may include additional features of the planar segment 606 that may not be formed with respect to a central portion of the internal support structure 608, such as a spiral configuration of the planar segment 606, a box-like configuration of the planar segment 606, or a cylindrical configuration of the planar segment 606. The ionizer 7100 can be coupled to the planar segment 606.

As shown in fig. 28, a plurality of heating elements 604 may be disposed on a plurality of planar segments 606 and extend around the plurality of planar segments 606. Various non-limiting shapes or configurations of heating element 604 are contemplated. The heating element 604 may be electrically coupled to the wire W such that when power is received, the heating element 604 may radiate heat, which may be transferred to fluid flowing through the heater assembly 600. A cylindrical outer housing 610 may surround the heater assembly.

One or more electrical components may also be included in the heater assembly 600. For example, the thermistor 615 may be configured in a fluid flow path and may be electrically coupled to the wire W via wires 612 and 614. Wires 612 and 614 may form a U-shaped configuration with respect to thermistor 615. Other shapes of wire configurations are contemplated. The heater assembly 600 may further include a fuse 620 that may be electrically coupled to the wire W. The fuse 620 may provide a safety mechanism by which to shut down the heater assembly (and hair care appliance) in the event that the temperature of the heater assembly exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold. The heater assembly may also include a thermal breaker component electrically coupled to the wire W. The thermal circuit breaker may be a programmable and resettable electrical safety component that may allow modification of the predetermined temperature threshold.

In use, the heater assembly 600 is configured to maintain an optimal fluid flow through the heating element to the outlet. The arrangement of the thermistor and fuse may be arranged to ensure uniform radial distribution of fluid flow. The planar section of the internal support structure may have cut-outs to ensure maximum fluid flow across and over the heating element.

Fluid flow path

As described above, the hair care appliance 100 has the fluid flow path P extending between the inlet 120 of the handle 110 and the outlet 125 of the body 120. As previously described, the first shunt 504 is positioned in the handle 110 and the second shunt 602 is positioned in the body 120.

The flow splitter 602 may be configured as a baffle structure and may divide the fluid flow exiting the fan assembly 500 into separate and uniform upper flow paths F into the heater assembly 600 _U And a lower flow path F _L . Without the flow splitter 602, fluid flow would tend to accumulate in the upper portion of the heater assembly 600 and less fluid flow would pass through the lower portion of the heater assembly 600. The shunt 602 can solve this problem by: allowing an equal volume of fluid to enter the heater assembly 600, thereby allowing for an even distribution of heat to be transferred to the equal volume of fluid. Advantageously, the flow splitter 602 may minimize the amount of fluid flow reduction of the fluid entering the heater assembly 600. In the exemplary embodiment, flow splitter 602 includes rounded, non-sharp edges such that fluid flow is free of turbulence as it passes over flow splitter 602 and around flow splitter 602. In addition, the flow splitter 602 can maintain flow velocity, static flow pressure, and top-to-bottom pressure gradient between the upper and lower portions of the heater assembly 600 in both the straight and angled configurations of the hair care appliance described herein. As shown in fig. 30, the fan assembly cover has been removed from the fan assembly 500 to illustrate the fluid flow path P. In some embodiments, the fluid flow path P may be a sealed fluid flow path, minimizing loss of fluid flow from the appliance to the environment.

In an exemplary embodiment, in an angled configuration, the hair care appliance described herein may achieve a ratio of flow rate maximum to flow rate minimum of 1.7 and a pressure drop of 1700Pa along the length of the fluid flow path, and in a straight configuration, the hair care appliance may achieve a ratio of flow rate maximum to flow rate minimum of 1.6 and a pressure drop of 1900Pa along the length of the fluid flow path. Thus, the ratio of the flow rates at maximum and minimum flow rates is 94% to 95% for the angled configuration relative to the straight configuration. Thus, the fluid flow rate in the angled configuration is only 5% to 6% less than in the straight configuration. The hair care appliance may advantageously be maintained in a straight configuration or an angled configuration and provide a sufficiently equal flow rate to minimize flow rate degradation in the angled configuration.

As shown in FIG. 31, plot S illustrates velocity (m/S) data for fluid flow through a hair care appliance in a straight configuration. As shown, the velocity of the fluid flow exhibits minimal variation as it passes from the handle 110 through the swivel joint 300 and contacts the shunt 602. Advantageously, in the straight configuration of the hair care appliance, the flow splitter 602 allows for a generally equal distribution of the upper and lower portions of the fluid flow into the heater assembly 600 of the body 120 with minimal or no change in fluid velocity. The generally equal distribution of fluid flow prevents overheating and consistent heat output within the heater. The resulting flow output at the outlet 122 also indicates a consistent and substantially equal fluid velocity exiting the upper and lower portions of the outlet 122 due to the configuration of the flow splitter 602. In the straight configuration, at the high, medium, and low speed settings of the fan assembly 500, the speed (m/s) is measured one inch from the outlet 122 and four inches from the outlet 122. The results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1

As shown in fig. 32, plot B illustrates velocity (m/s) data of fluid flow through the hair care appliance described herein in an angled configuration. As shown, the velocity of the fluid flow exhibits minimal variation as it passes from the handle 110 through the swivel joint 300 and contacts the shunt 602. Advantageously, in the angled configuration of the hair care appliance, the flow splitter 602 allows for equal distribution of the upper and lower portions of the fluid flow into the heater assembly 600 of the body 120 with minimal or no change in fluid velocity. The resulting flow output at the outlet 122 also indicates a consistent and substantially equal fluid velocity exiting the upper and lower portions of the outlet 122 due to the configuration of the flow splitter 602. In the angled configuration, at the high, medium, and low speed settings of the fan assembly 500, the speed (m/s) is measured one inch from the outlet 122 and four inches from the outlet 122. The results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2

Comparing the velocity data associated with the straight configuration with the velocity data associated with the angled configuration, angling the fluid flow path results in only a minimal reduction in the velocity of the fluid flow at each velocity setting. For example, at a high speed setting in an angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured one inch from the outlet 122 is 89% of the fluid flow observed in a straight configuration (e.g., 31.8 versus 35.6). At the high speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured four inches from the outlet 122 is 93% of the fluid flow in the straight configuration (e.g., 25.9 versus 27.8). At a medium speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured one inch from the outlet 122 is 103% of the fluid flow in the straight configuration (e.g., 25.5 versus 24.8). At a medium speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured four inches from the outlet 122 is 96% (e.g., 20.0 versus 20.8) of the fluid flow in the straight configuration. At the low speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow measured one inch from the outlet 122 is 92% (e.g., 20.9 versus 22.7) of the fluid flow in the straight configuration. At the low speed setting in the angled configuration, the velocity of the fluid flow at four inches from the outlet 122 is 92% of the fluid flow in the straight configuration (e.g., 17.4 versus 18.9). Advantageously, at the medium speed setting, the velocity of the fluid flow through the hair appliance in the angled configuration is greater than the velocity of the fluid flow in the straight configuration (e.g., 25.5m/s versus 24.8 m/s) as measured 1 inch from the outlet 122.

Thus, the construction of the appliance and the various internal components allow the following fluid flow paths in a straight and angled configuration: with a uniform, consistent fluid flow across the diameter of the handle and body between the inlet and outlet. The configuration of the first flow splitter 504 may provide a uniformly radially distributed fluid flow through the handle to the blades of the fan assembly such that the fan does not accelerate the fluid flow unevenly into the heater assembly of the body. The configuration of the second flow splitter 602 can provide balanced fluid flow to the upper and lower portions of the heater assembly such that an even distribution of fluid is provided through the heater assembly and out of the hair care appliance via the outlet in the body. The heater can operate at higher temperatures because the evenly spaced air streams prevent any heat build up on the sides of the heater during use.

Fitting cooperation

As previously mentioned, the hair care appliance may also be configured to cooperate with one or more accessories for user-selected hair styling or hair treatment. The one or more attachments may have any configuration, such as a concentrator, a diffuser, a curled bar, a curled brush, a round brush, a flat brush, a comb, and the like. The attachment can be removably coupled to an outlet in the body of the hair care appliance and can be secured in place via one or more mating mechanisms configured at the outlet of the body and/or on the mating portion of a single attachment.

In some embodiments, the hair care appliance may include an attachment that is not removably and permanently attached to the hair care appliance. For example, the brush may be permanently attached and the hair care appliance may be a "hot" brush construction. The "hot" brush construction may include a non-detachable brush attached to the hair care appliance described herein.

In some embodiments, the attachment may be configured to fit over the body of the hair care appliance, thereby covering the outlet. The sleeve attachment may also extend over the swivel hinge joint in a straight configuration to prevent rotation of the appliance. A sleeve over the swivel joint may provide additional structural support to the hinge during use. The sleeve over the swivel hinge also prevents the appliance from changing configuration during use. For example, the hair care appliance may have a latch or knob that allows the body to rotate relative to the handle. In some embodiments, a sleeve over the attachment may cover the latch or knob such that it cannot be actuated during use of the attachment.

Various features may also be provided to help prevent rotation of the attachment relative to the body of the appliance. For example, the sleeve attachment may include features on the inner surface, such as longitudinally oriented ribs on the inner surface that may engage with one or more protrusions provided on the outer surface of the body housing 124. For example, as shown in fig. 33, the body housing 124 of the appliance 100 includes a recess 350, the recess 350 positioning a first projection 352a adjacent to the articulation joint 300. The first projection 352a may engage a portion of the inner surface of the attachment that has slid over the body housing 124. As shown in fig. 34 with the body housing 124 removed, the second protrusion 352b may be positioned on an opposite side of the body and may protrude from the first body frame 126 a. The first protrusion 340a is shown protruding from the second body frame 126 b.

Hair care appliance 100 may include a plurality of interchangeable attachment mating assemblies. For example, the first attachment mating assembly may include a sleeve design to allow the attachment to be slipped over the outlet end of hair care appliance 100. The second attachment mating assembly may include a panel mating design such that the attachment abuts the outlet end of the hair care appliance. The third attachment fitting assembly may include a fitting collar configured with a protrusion (such as a lug), which may be removably coupled with and secured within the fitting portion of the attachment.

Fig. 35A shows a close-up perspective view of an attachment mating assembly 700 configured at the outlet 122 of the hair care appliance 100. The attachment fitting assembly 700 may be coupled to the first and second body frames 126a, 126b. As shown, attachment mating assembly 700 includes mating ferrule 702 and mating plate 708. Mating band 702 may include a plurality of recesses 704 disposed about the circumference of mating band 702. The recess 704 may be configured to receive one or more engagement features of an attachment configured for use with a hair care appliance, as will be discussed in more detail below. The attachment may slide over the outlet 122 of the body 120 and the engagement features of the attachment may engage the recess 704 of the mating ferrule 702 and be disposed within the recess 704 of the mating ferrule 702 to reduce rotation of the attachment relative to the body 120. Rotation may be reduced or limited by the protrusions 706 defining either side of a given recess 704.

Another embodiment of an attachment mating assembly 6310 can be seen in fig. 35B. An outlet end 6300 in a body 6305 of a hair care appliance similar to appliance 100 may include an attachment mating assembly 6310. The attachment fitting assembly 6310 may include attachment fitting plates 6114a and 6114b, and each of the attachment fitting plates 6114a and 6114b may include a plurality of slots 6320. When an attachment having attachment features such as attachment feature 6225 of concentrator attachment 6200 shown in fig. 62 is coupled to outlet end 6300, a user can rotate concentrator attachment 6200 to engage attachment feature 6225 within slots 6114a and 6114b and secure concentrator attachment 6200 to hair care appliance 100.

The attachment mating assembly 700 may also include a mating plate 708 disposed below the mating ferrule 702 (e.g., upstream of the outlet 125). The mating plate 708 may include an upper surface 708u, and a surface of the attachment may abut on the upper surface 708 u. The mating plate 708 may also include a mating plate shoulder 708s extending from the upper surface 708 u. The mating plate shoulder 708s may be sized and configured to be inserted into a receptacle configured at the coupling end of the attachment.

As shown in fig. 36, attachment mating assembly 700 may further include an outlet trim ring 710 coupled to mating ferrule 702. The outlet trim ring 710 can include one or more surface finishing or coating materials. The mating plates 708 can be coupled to the first and second body frames 126a, 126b via a snap or friction fit or using other attachment techniques.

As shown in fig. 37, mating ferrule 702 may include engagement shelf 712. Engagement shelf 712 may be positioned circumferentially on mating band 702 below (e.g., underneath) female portion 704 and male portion 706. The engagement shelf 712 may be sized and configured to receive one or more engagement features of an attachment. For example, a hook-shaped engagement feature of the attachment may engage the engagement shelf 712 to couple the attachment to the attachment mating assembly 700. In some embodiments, the engagement shelf 712 may be segmented into a plurality of segments by one or more slots separating the segments.

In other embodiments, the attachment mating assembly may include a mating ferrule having protruding features (such as lugs) to engage with the mating portion of the attachment to secure the attachment to the outlet end of the hair care appliance 100. The mating portion of the attachment may include a slot in which the lug may be received. The lugs of the mating ferrule may engage into the openings of the slots of the mating portion of the attachment, and the attachment may be rotated onto the outlet end of the hair care appliance 100 such that the lugs travel entirely within the slots of the mating portion of the attachment.

Attachment or detachment of the attachment to or from the outlet of the hair care appliance may be performed using an attachment actuator assembly configured at the outlet end of the hair care appliance. The attachment actuator assembly may include a user operable latch configured to secure or release the attachment to or from the hair care appliance 100. The user may retract the latch to attach and remove the attachment, and may release the retracted latch to secure the attachment in place. The latch may be coupled to a tab that is insertable into an opening of at least one slot of the mating portion of the attachment. When the tab is inserted into the slot opening, rotation of the attachment relative to the outlet end of the hair care appliance is eliminated and the attachment is secured to the hair care appliance.

Fig. 72 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an attachment mating assembly 7200 of hair care appliance 100. Attachment mating assembly 7200 includes mating ferrule 7205 at outlet 122 and attachment actuator assembly 7215 disposed on body housing 124. Mating ferrule 7205 may include one or more protrusions 7210. In some embodiments, the protrusions 7210 may be lugs and may protrude from the inner surface of the mating ferrule 7205. As shown in fig. 73, protrusions 7210 may protrude from the inner surface 7220 of the mating ferrule 7205. In some embodiments, the protrusions 7210 can have a teardrop shape, although various non-limiting shapes are contemplated. The shape and size of the protrusions 7210 may correspond to the shape and size of corresponding receptacles or grooves that may be configured on the mating portion of the attachment of the hair care appliance 100. In some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 protrusions 7210 may be configured on the inner surface 7220 of the mating ferrule 7205. In some embodiments, the protrusions 7210 may be spaced apart along the inner surface 7225 by an equal distance between adjacent protrusions 7210. In some embodiments, the protrusions 7210 may be spaced apart along the inner surface by unequal distances between adjacent protrusions 7210.

The mating ferrule 7205 further includes at least one recess 7230 configured to receive a tab or protrusion of the attachment actuator assembly 7215. The recess 7230 can have a width 7235 corresponding to the width of a tab or protrusion of the attachment actuator assembly 7215. When the attachment is mated with the mating ferrule 7205, the protrusion 7210 can travel into a slot configured on the mating portion of the attachment. Once the travel is complete, the user may release the latch 7220 of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 (such as the latch shown in fig. 1) so that the tab portion of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 travels into the recess 7230, locking the attachment in place to prevent rotation of the attachment.

Mating ferrule 7205 may also include an opening 7240 along the circumference of the bottom of mating ferrule 7205. The opening 7240 may receive an attachment actuator assembly 7215 therein. The opening 7240 can have a width 7245 corresponding to the width of the attachment actuator assembly 7215. Mating ferrule 7205 may also include one or more shoulder elements 7250 protruding from the sides of mating ferrule 7205 at one or more locations. Shoulder elements 7250 may be configured to allow mating ferrule 7205 to frictionally mate or snap with an outlet ring (such as outlet ring 7715 shown in fig. 77). Mating ferrule 7205 may also include grooves 7255 positioned at one or more locations around the circumference of outer surface 7260 of mating ferrule 7215. The slot 7255 can be configured to secure the mating ferrule 7205 to the main body housing 124.

The attachment actuator assembly 7215 may include a latch 7220 as shown in fig. 72. The latch 7220 can be coupled to the base 7260 of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 as shown in fig. 74. In some embodiments, latch 720 may be integrated with base 7260. The base 7260 can be coupled to a compression element 7265 of the attachment actuator assembly 7215. Depressing latch 7220 can cause base 7260 to compress compression element 7265 such that the base is retracted away from mating ferrule 7205. In some embodiments, compression element 7265 may be a spring as shown in fig. 74. The base 7260 can travel within the body frame 7275 of the hair care appliance. The body frame 7275 may correspond to the first body frame 126a or the second body frame 126b as shown and described in fig. 7. The base 7260 may also include a tab or tab 7280. In some embodiments, the tab 7280 can be coupled to the base 7260. Tabs 7280 may extend from base 7260 into mating ferrule 7205 to secure the attachment within mating ferrule 7205. For example, after the user has coupled the attachment to the mating ferrule 7205, the user may release the latch 7220. As a result, the compressible element 7265 can be elongated to urge the base 7260 toward the mating ferrule 7205 such that the tab 7280 extends into the recess 7230 shown in fig. 73 and into a groove included in the mating portion of the attachment. In fig. 75, mating ferrule 7205 has been removed to illustrate tab 7280 extending from base 7260 of attachment actuator assembly 7215. The back-off of the latch 7220 can move the tab 7280 away from and out of the mating ferrule 7205 so that the attachment can be removed from the main body housing 124.

The attachment actuator assembly 7215 can be seen more particularly in fig. 76A, fig. 76A showing the attachment actuator assembly 7215 engaged with an attachment mating portion 7600 of an attachment according to embodiments described herein. As shown in fig. 76A, the main body case 124 has been removed for illustration, and the outside of the attachment fitting portion 7600 can be observed. The attachment fitting portion 7600 can include an attachment fitting ferrule 7605. The attachment mating ferrule 7605 may include one or more slots 7610. Slot 7610 may include an opening where tab 7280 may be received. When the latch 7220 is released, the tab 7280 can extend or travel into the slot 7610 to secure the attachment mating portion 7600 to the outlet 122 of the body 120 of the hair care appliance 100. In fig. 76B, a cutaway view of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 engaged with the attachment mating portion 7600 is shown. The cutaway view shows the interior view of the attachment actuator assembly 7215 engaged with the mating ferrule 7205 and the projection 7210 engaged with the attachment mating portion 7600. The user has rotated the attachment fitting portion 7600 into contact with the fitting ferrule 7205 so that the projection 7210 has traveled into the receiving end at the terminal end of the slot 7610 as shown in fig. 76B. Once the projection 7210 is fully engaged within the slot 7610, the user can release the latch 7220, extending or advancing the tab 7280 into the slot 7610 to fully secure the attachment mating portion 7600 (and thus the attachment) to the mating ferrule 7205 of the hair care appliance 100. Rotation of the attachment relative to the body 120 may be reduced or eliminated.

The hair care appliance 100 may further include a grid 7700 configured at the outlet 122 as shown in fig. 77. The lattice column 7700 can include a plurality of fin elements 7705 extending radially from a central portion 7710. Although the fin elements 7705 of the lattice bar 7700 are shown in a radial pattern, various non-limiting patterns are contemplated, including diagonal-shaped patterns, screen-like patterns, or concentric-shaped patterns of fin elements 7705. The outlet 122 may also include an outlet ring 7715. The outlet ring may be coupled to the mating ferrule 7205 via a snap fit.

Fitting parts

As described above, the hair care appliance may be configured to mate to many different types of attachments or accessories via the interchangeable mating components of the hair care appliance 100. The attachment may be included in a kit of parts provided with the hair care appliance 100 or provided separately from the hair care appliance 100. Figures 38-68 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of an attachment for use with hair care appliance 100, however, one skilled in the art will appreciate that any attachment known in the art may be used with appliance 100.

Fig. 38 illustrates a round brush attachment 3800 having an inlet 3805, which can receive fluid flow from the hair care appliance described herein at the inlet 3805. The round brush attachment 3800 can further include a cover 3810, wherein a plurality of apertures 3815 are configured in the cover 3810. In some embodiments, the apertures 3815 may be filled with bristles. The round brush attachment 3800 can also include an end cap 3820 and a base 3825. The end cap 3820 may include one or more release mechanisms 3830 configured to release a latch mechanism disposed within the round brush attachment 3800 from engagement with features of the attachment mating assembly 700 described in connection with fig. 35-37.

As shown in fig. 39, the round brush attachment 3800 can be fit over the body 120 of the hair care appliance 100. Brush attachment 3800 (and other attachment embodiments described herein) can be fit over body 120 in a manner that covers swivel joint 300. In this way, rotation of the attachment relative to the body 120 can be reduced. Fluid flow provided at the outlet 120 of the body may enter the end cap 3820 via a fluid flow path P (shown by dashed lines) and exit via an annular outlet 3915 disposed on a lower surface of the end cap 3820. The configuration of fluid flow path 3910 may advantageously direct a relatively large volume of fluid down the surface of round brush attachment 3800 rather than outward away from the surface. In addition, the configuration of the fluid flow path 3910 causes the fluid flow to change direction from a first direction within the round brush attachment 3800 to an opposite second direction outside the round brush attachment (e.g., downward along the outer surface of the round brush attachment 3800). As fluid enters the round brush attachment 3800, redirecting the fluid flow path in the opposite direction at the outlet 3915 can create a fluid curtain effect down the outer surface of the round brush attachment 3800. This configuration of fluid flow path 3910 does not dislodge hair from the brush attachment during use. In some embodiments, a hand guard may be provided at the base 3825 of the round brush attachment 3800. The hand guard can prevent fluid of the fluid flow path 3910 from contacting a user's hand while traveling down the outer surface of the round brush attachment 3800.

As shown in fig. 40, an attachment mating assembly 4000 may be positioned between the end cap 3820 and the attachment frame 4005. The attachment frame 4005 may form the body of the round brush attachment 3800 and may fit over the outlet end of the body of the hair care appliance described herein. The attachment mating assembly 4000 may include one or more release mechanisms 3830 coupled to either side of the mating assembly plate 4015. The release mechanism 3830 may be configured to release the latch mechanism 4020 from engagement with the attachment mating assembly 700 described in connection with the hair care appliance shown in fig. 35-37. For example, the latch mechanism 4020 may include a hook-shaped feature configured to engage the engagement frame 712 shown in fig. 37.

As shown in fig. 41, the end cap 3820 shown in fig. 38-40 has been removed for clarity. The release mechanism 3830 may be disposed on an upper surface of the mating component board 4015 and the latch mechanism 4020 may be disposed on a lower surface of the mating component board 4015. The latch mechanism 4020 is also moved toward the center of the round brush attachment 3800 by actuating the release mechanism 3830 by pushing the release mechanism 3830 toward the center of the round brush attachment 3800. As a result, the hook engagement feature on the latch mechanism 4020 will move out of engagement with the engagement shelf 712 of the attachment fitting assembly 700 in the body of the hair care appliance so that the attachment 3800 can be removed from the body of the hair care appliance. Although described in connection with a round brush attachment, in some embodiments, one or more attachment fitting assemblies 4000 may be included on any of the attachments described herein.

As shown in fig. 42, the round brush attachment 3800 can include a plurality of protrusions 4205 protruding downward from an upper inner surface of the attachment frame 4005. In some embodiments, the projections 4205 may be configured on an engagement plate disposed between the attachment frame 4005 and the mating assembly plate 4015. In some embodiments, a protrusion may be formed on the mounting component board 4015. The protrusion 4205 may engage with the recess 704 of the attachment fitting assembly 700 shown in fig. 35-37, and when the attachment is coupled to a hair care appliance, the protrusion 4205 is configured in the body of the hair care appliance 100. When the protrusions 4205 are engaged within the recesses 704 of the attachment fitting assembly 700, rotation of the attachment relative to the body of the hair care appliance 100 can be advantageously limited.

As also shown in fig. 42, the round brush attachment 3800 can include a plurality of ribs 4210 extending longitudinally along an inner surface of the attachment frame 4005. The ribs 4210 may be configured and spaced apart in the following manner: engages with protrusions 340a, 340b configured on the body frames 126a, 126b and protruding through the body housing 124 as shown in fig. 33-34. When the round brush attachment 3800 is fit over the body housing 124, the ribs 4210 can engage with the protrusions 340a, 340b to advantageously limit rotation of the round brush attachment 3800 relative to the body of the hair care appliance described herein.

Although the configuration of the projections 4205 and the ribs 4210 are described with respect to the round brush attachment 3800, any of the attachments described herein may include the configuration of the projections 4205 and/or the ribs 4210 without limitation.

Fig. 43 illustrates a crimping attachment 4300 that may include an inlet 4305 fluidly coupled to a main body 4114 a. The inlet 4305 may be coupled with an outlet end of the hair care appliance 100 such that fluid discharged from the hair care appliance 100 via the outlet 122 enters the crimping attachment 4300 at the inlet 4305. The spindle 4114b may be configured in the body 4114a and may be coupled to one or more wheels 4320. Wheel 4320 may allow a user to manually rotate spindle 4114b to curl hair. A high-speed air groove 4325 may be provided at the top of the body 4114 a.

As shown in fig. 44, fluid flow is illustrated by a plurality of flow lines extending between the inlet 4305 and the outlet 4330. Fluid flowing into inlet 4305 is provided to concentration chamber 4335 before being directed to crimping chamber 4340 via conduit 4345. The user can place their hair near the high velocity air slot 4325 at the top of the tool. The high-velocity air may carry the hair and cause it to wrap around the main shaft 4114 b. After heating the hair for 5 seconds to 10 seconds, the user may use the blow feature 402 shown in the user interface 401 described in connection with fig. 20 to help set the styling. The hair is then pulled out of the crimping attachment 4300. The spindle 4114b should be free to rotate to prevent any binding.

Fig. 45 illustrates different embodiments of the crimping attachment. The crimping attachment 4500 shown in fig. 45 may include an inlet 4505, where fluid flow from the hair care appliance 100 may be received at the inlet 4505. The inlet 4505 may be fluidly coupled to the concentrating body 4510. The collection chamber 4510 may be fluidly coupled to the crimp chamber 4515. Crimping chamber 4515 may include a main shaft 4520 and an outlet 4525. In some embodiments, the main shaft 4520 may have a tapered shape. The outlet 4252 may comprise a plurality of holes for fluid flow into the inlet 4505 to exit the crimping attachment 4505. The crimping attachment 4500 may also include an opening 4530 into which a user may provide hair to be crimped about the main shaft 4520.

Fig. 46 shows another embodiment of a crimping attachment 4600 having an inlet 4605, where fluid flow from the hair care appliance 100 may be received at the inlet 4605. Fluid flow may enter the focusing chamber 4610 and be provided to the crimping chamber 4615. A crimping chamber may be formed in housing 4620, housing 4620 including a plurality of openings 4625 to expel a fluid stream from crimping attachment 4600. The crimping attachment 4600 may include a spindle 4630 within a housing 4620. In some embodiments, the spindle 4630 may have a tapered shape over its length. Hair may be provided into opening 4635 and may be curled around main shaft 4630.

In another embodiment shown in fig. 47, a crimping attachment is provided and includes a plate 4640 coupled to the ends of the crimping chamber 4615 and the concentration chamber 4610. The spindle 4630 may rotate relative to the plate 4630. Crimping chamber 4615 can include an open end 4645, and crimped hair can be removed from main shaft 4630 at open end 4645. As shown in fig. 48, the spindle 4630 may extend from the plate 4640 into the crimping chamber 4615. As shown in fig. 49, uncrimped hair 4650 may be provided into the opening 4635, and the uncrimped hair 4650 may be drawn into the opening as a result of the fluid flow provided to the inlet 4605 via the hair care appliance attached to the crimping attachment 4600. As the fluid flow passes through crimping attachment 4600, hair 4650 is drawn into crimping chamber 4615 and wrapped around main shaft 4630 and may be crimped. The curled hair 4655 may be removed from the curling chamber 4615 at the open end 4645.

Fig. 50 illustrates a cartridge crimping attachment 5000 that may be configured for use with hair care appliance 100. The barrel crimping attachment 5000 may include an inlet 5005 and a barrel 5010. The cartridge 5010 may include a plurality of plates 5015 (such as plates 5015A and 5015B). The plate 5015 can be configured to expand away from the central longitudinal axis of the barrel 5010. The fluid flow path may be along a central longitudinal axis of the barrel 5010. Spool assembly 5020 can be disposed at outlet end 5025 and inlet end 5030. The spool assembly 5050 may expand the plate 5015 radially outward to expand the diameter of the barrel 5020. In this way, hair can be curled to different curl sizes based on the setting of the spool 5020. The spool assembly 5020 can be individually sized such that the cartridge tapers from the outlet end 5025 to the inlet end 5030. The cartridge crimping apparatus 5000 may include a spool assembly frame 5035 to which a spool assembly 5020 may be mounted.

As shown in fig. 51, the spool assembly 5020 can be in an initial configuration that corresponds to the unexpanded configuration of the board 5015. The spool assembly 5020 can include a housing 5040 and one or more attachment tabs 5045, the attachment tabs 5045 configured to couple the housing 5040 to the spool assembly frame 5035. The spool plate 5050 can be disposed within the housing 5040 and an adjustment tab 5055 can be included on the spool plate 5050. The user can rotate the adjustment tab 5055 to rotate the plate 5050 within the housing 5040. As the user rotates the adjustment tab 5055 (and thereby rotates the plate 5050), the extension element 5060 may extend radially outward to move the plate 5015 away from the central longitudinal axis of the barrel crimping attachment 5000.

As shown in fig. 52, the user has rotated the adjustment tab 5055 to a position opposite to the position associated with the initial configuration shown in fig. 51. Thus, the spool assembly 5020 of fig. 52 is shown in an expanded configuration. Rotation of the adjustment tab 5055 can rotate the spool plate 5050 and drive the extension element 5060 radially outward. As a result, the plate 5015 also extends radially outward. In this way, the outer diameter of the barrel crimping attachment 5000 can be configured by the user to allow hair to be styled in a variety of crimping sizes.

Fig. 53 illustrates an embodiment of a winding barrel crimping attachment 5300 in which a rotation mechanism 5305 can be configured within a housing 5310. The winding barrel-type crimping attachment 5300 may be configured to wind hair into a roll so that the hair may be repeatedly crimped. The fluid flow passage 5315 may extend from an inlet 5320 provided in an inlet housing 5340 of the winding barrel-type crimping attachment 5300 through a flow passage chamber 5325 of the flow passage housing 5330 and to a discharge portion 5335 configured at one side of the housing 5310. Fig. 54 is a view showing the winding barrel crimping attachment 5300 of fig. 53.

Fig. 55 illustrates an embodiment of a round brush attachment 5500, which may include a plurality of plates 5505 extending between an end cap 5510 and a base 5515. The plurality of plates 5505 may include one or more apertures 5520 and one or more slots 5525 configured on the respective plate 5505. In some embodiments, bristles may be constructed on one or more plates 5505. Various hole sizes and configurations may be envisioned on the plate 5505 without limitation. A fluid flow path may be included in the round brush attachment 5500 that extends from the inlet 5530 through the interior volume of the round brush attachment 5500 and out through the apertures 5520 and/or slots 5525.

The plates 5505 may be disposed within the end cap 5510 and base 5515 such that each plate 5505 may be articulated in a rotational manner about the circumference of the round brush attachment 5500. For example, as the user pulls the brush attachment 5500 through their hair in a first direction, the plate 5505 may rotate clockwise relative to a central longitudinal axis extending through the round brush attachment 5500. The plate 5505 may be parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the round brush attachment 5500. As the user pulls the brush attachment 5500 through their hair in a second direction opposite the first direction, the plate may rotate counter-clockwise relative to the central longitudinal axis of the round brush attachment 5500. Depending on the direction of rotation of the plate, the fluid flow path may expel fluid from the aperture 5520 and/or the slot 5525.

As shown in fig. 56A, the round brush attachment 5500 is shown in a neutral position. In this position, the outlet 5535 disposed in the fluid flow path is blocked, and fluid flow through the plate 5505 is not provided. As shown in fig. 56B, as the round brush attachment 5500 moves in a first direction, the plate 5505 rotates clockwise to allow the outlet 5535 to open and provide fluid flow through the aperture 5520. As shown in fig. 56C, as the round brush attachment 5500 moves in the second direction, the plate 5505 rotates counterclockwise to allow the outlet 5535 to open and provide fluid flow through the slot 5525.

As shown in fig. 57, the base 5515 of the round brush attachment 5500 can include an alignment feature 5540 configured to limit circumferential rotation of the plate 5505. The alignment feature 5540 may include a retention frame 5545, the retention frame 5545 being configured to couple with an end 5550 of the plate 5505 that protrudes through the base 5515 and into the retention frame 5545.

Fig. 58 illustrates an embodiment of a diffuser 5800, the diffuser 5800 may include a body portion 5805 and a mating portion 5810. The body portion 5805 may be an outlet end of the diffuser 5800 at which fluid flow received via the inlet opening 5815 of the mating portion 5810 may be provided for styling of hair. The body portion 5805 may include a plurality of protrusions 5820 extending away from an inner surface of the body portion 5820. One or more of the protrusions may include an aperture 5825 for allowing fluid flow away from the protrusion 5820.

The mating portion 5810 may include one or more release mechanisms 5830. The release mechanism 5830 may release the latch mechanism 5835 from engagement with the engagement shelf 712 of the attachment fitting assembly 700 described in connection with fig. 35. Depressing the release mechanism 5830 toward the center of the mating portion 5810 may release the latch mechanism 5835 from the engagement frame 712. As also shown in fig. 58, the mating portion may include a plurality of detents 5840 disposed on an inner ferrule 5845 of the mating portion 5810. The detent 5840 may be received within the recess 704 of the attachment fitting assembly 700 described in connection with fig. 35 and engaged with the recess 704. Once engaged, the detents 5840 can limit rotation of the diffuser 5800 relative to the body of the hair care appliance 100 described herein.

As shown in fig. 59, the diffuser 5800 may include a flow regulator 5850 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the diffuser attachment 5800. The user can change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow regulator 5850 within the flow conditioning rail 5855. The plurality of protrusions 5820 may move relative to the body portion, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of the plurality of protrusions 5820.

Fig. 60 shows a cross-sectional view of a diffuser attachment 5800. As shown, the disc 5860 may be shaped to have a particular shape that diverts air toward the edge of the body portion 5805 of the diffuser 5800. In some embodiments, the disc 5860 is suspended from a central region of the body portion 5805. In this way, fluid flow is not provided directly into the central region of the body portion 5805, but rather is redirected toward the circumference of the body portion 5805, thereby providing a more uniform fluid flow via the boss 5820 and the apertures 5825, 5865. The disc 5860 may be coupled to the inner frame 5870 via a snap or friction fit. The inner frame 5870 may be coupled with the main body 5805, the mating portion 5810, and the main body cover 5875. The fluid flow path 5880 through the diffuser attachment 5800 can be seen in fig. 61.

Fig. 62 illustrates an embodiment of a concentrator 6200 that may include a body portion 6205 and a mating portion 6210. A fluid flow path may be provided between the inlet 6215 of the mating portion 6210 and the outlet 6220 of the body portion 6205. The mating portion 6210 can include one or more attachment features 6225, the attachment features 6225 can protrude radially from the mating ferrule 6230, and can couple the concentrator 6200 with the attachment fitting assembly 6300 shown in fig. 35B. For example, the attachment features 6225 may be received and secured within the slots 6114a and 6114 b. The body portion 6205 may be rotatable relative to the mating portion 6210 such that the outlet position may be set by a user.

Fig. 63 illustrates another embodiment of a concentrator 6300 that may include a mating portion 6305 and a body portion 6310. The fluid flow path may extend from the inlet end 6315 to the outlet end 6320. Fluid flow may be provided via opening 6325. Various non-limiting shapes and sizes of the openings 6325 are contemplated. In this embodiment, the concentrator attachment 6300 can include a flow regulator 6330 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the concentrator attachment 6300. The user may change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow regulator 6330 within the flow adjustment rail 6335. A bottom side perspective view of the concentrator attachment 6300 is shown in fig. 64.

As shown in fig. 65, the concentrator attachment 6500 can include a mating portion 6505 and a body portion 6510. The fluid flow path may extend through the concentrator attachment 6500 from the inlet end 6515 to the outlet end 6520. Fluid flow may be provided via outlet end 6520. Various non-limiting shapes and sizes of the outlet end 6520 are contemplated. As also shown in fig. 65, the concentrator attachment 6500 can include a flow regulator 6525 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the concentrator attachment 6500. The user can vary the fluid flow by adjusting the flow regulator 6525 within the flow adjustment rail 6530.

The mating portion 6505 may include one or more release mechanisms 6535, the release mechanisms 6535 configured to release the latch mechanism 6540 from the engagement frame 712 of the attachment mating assembly 700 included in the hair care appliance described herein and illustrated in fig. 35-37. The mating portion 6505 may also include a mating ferrule 6545, which mating ferrule 6545 may be inserted into the attachment mating assembly 700. The mating ferrule 6545 can include one or more tab features 6550, the tab features 6550 can engage the engagement frame 712 and/or can be configured to form a slot in the engagement frame 712. Mating ferrule 6545 may also include one or more ribs 6550 configured to engage the grooved portion of engagement frame 712. The tab features 6545 and ribs 6550 can limit or reduce rotation of the concentrator attachment 6500 relative to the body of the hair care appliance 100 described herein.

Fig. 66 illustrates an embodiment of a crimping attachment 6600 that can include a mating portion 6605 and a body portion 6610. The inlet 6615 may be provided in the mating portion 6605. A fluid flow path may be provided between the inlet 6615 and the outlet 6610. The outlet 6620 can be disposed between plates 6625 extending along a central longitudinal axis of the crimping attachment 6600. The plate 6625 may be secured between the end cap 6630 and the mating housing 6635. The plate 6625 can be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the central longitudinal axis of the crimping attachment 6600 so that hair can be crimped in multiple directions.

As also shown in fig. 66, the crimping attachment 6600 can include one or more release mechanisms 6640 disposed in a mating housing 6635. The release mechanism 6640 can release the latch mechanism 6645 from the engagement frame 712 of the attachment fitting assembly described in connection with fig. 35-37. Depressing the release mechanism 6640 toward the mating housing 6635 will release the latch mechanism 6645 from the engagement frame 712. As also shown in fig. 66, mating portion 6605 may include a mating ferrule 6650. The mating ferrule 6650 can include a plurality of protrusions or detents 6655 that can engage with the recesses 704 of the attachment mating assembly described in connection with fig. 35-37. Engagement of the detent 6655 with the recess 704 can limit or reduce rotation of the crimping attachment 6600 relative to the body of the hair care appliance 100 described herein.

Fig. 67 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a paddle brush attachment 6700 configured for use with hair care appliance 100. As shown in fig. 67, the paddle brush attachment 6700 may include a mating portion 6705 and a body portion 6710. A fluid flow path may extend from inlet 6715 through paddle brush attachment 6700 and out of bore 6720 in body portion 6710. In some embodiments, one or more of the holes 6720 can include bristles. A non-limiting arrangement of apertures 6720 and bristles on the body portion 6710 is contemplated. In some embodiments, the aperture 6720 and bristles may be positioned in a single plane. In other embodiments, the apertures 6720 and bristles may wrap around the surface of the paddle brush attachment 6700.

As also shown in fig. 67, the mating portion 6705 may include one or more release mechanisms 6725. The release mechanism 6725 may release the latch mechanism 6730 from the engagement shelf 712 of the attachment fitting assembly described in connection with fig. 35-37. Depressing the release mechanism 6725 toward a central longitudinal axis extending through the paddle brush attachment 6700 will release the latch mechanism 6730 from the engagement frame 712. As also shown in fig. 67, the mating portion 6705 may include a mating ferrule 6735. The mating ferrule 6735 may include a plurality of protrusions or detents 6740 that may engage with the recesses 704 of the attachment mating assembly described in connection with fig. 35-37. Engagement of the pawl 6740 with the recess 704 can limit or reduce rotation of the paddle brush attachment 6700 relative to the body of the hair care appliance 100 described herein.

Fig. 78 illustrates an embodiment of a diffuser 7800 configured for use with the attachment fitting assembly 7200 of fig. 72. The illustrated diffuser 7800 includes a body portion 7805 and a mating portion 7820. The fitting portion 7280 may correspond to the attachment fitting portion 7600 described in connection with fig. 76A to 76B. The body portion 7805 may be an outlet end of the diffuser 7800 where fluid flow received through the opening 7825 of the mating portion 7820 may be provided for hair styling. The body portion 7805 may include a plurality of protrusions 7810 extending away from an inner surface of the body portion 7805. One or more of the protrusions 7810 may include an aperture 7815 for allowing fluid flow away from the protrusion 7810.

The mating portion 7820 may include a mating ferrule 7830 configured with one or more slots 7835. The slot 7835 may correspond to the slot 7610 described in connection with the attachment mating portion 7600 shown and described in fig. 76A-76B. The slot 7835 can include an opening 7840 and a receiving end 7845. The protrusion 7210 of the attachment fitting assembly 7200 can be inserted into the opening 7840 of the slot 7835, and when the user rotates the attachment onto the outlet end 122 of the body housing 124, the protrusion 7210 can travel to the receiving end 7845. When the protrusion 7210 has reached the receiving end 7845, the user can release the latch 7220, advance the tab 7280 toward the outlet end 122, and be positioned within the opening 7840 and slot 7835. In this manner, the tab 7820 can fill a portion of the slot 7835, thereby preventing the protrusion 7210 from rotating away from the receiving end 7845 or disengaging from the receiving end 7845. As a result, the attachment may be secured to the body housing 124 and rotation of the attachment relative to the body housing is substantially reduced or eliminated. The retraction of the latch 7220 can cause the tab 7280 to travel out of the slot 7835, and as the user rotates the attachment for removal from the body housing 124, the protrusion 7210 can travel from the receiving end 7845 to the opening 7840, uncoupleing the attachment from the body housing 124 of the hair care appliance 100. The attachment fitting 7220 may be configured on any of the attachments described herein, and is specifically shown for the embodiment of the attachment shown in fig. 78-84B.

As shown in fig. 79, the diffuser 7800 may further include a flow regulator 7850 configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the diffuser attachment 7800. The user may vary the fluid flow by adjusting the flow regulator 7850 within the flow regulating track 7855.

Fig. 80 shows a cross-sectional view of a diffuser attachment 7800. As shown, the baffle 7870 may be configured to divert air toward an edge of the body portion 7805 of the diffuser 7800. In some embodiments, the baffle 7870 may be disk-shaped. In some embodiments, the baffle 7870 is suspended from a central region of the body portion 7805. In this way, fluid flow is not provided directly into the central region of the body portion 7805, but rather is redirected toward the circumference of the body portion 7805, thereby providing a more uniform fluid flow via the boss 7810 and the holes 7815, 7865. The flapper 7870 may be coupled to an extension element 7875 protruding from the lower surface of the body surface cover 7865. In this manner, the flap 7870 may depend from the lower surface of the body surface cover 7865. In some embodiments, apertures may be included in the baffle 7870 as an inlet or outlet for the air flow. In some embodiments, no holes may be included in the baffle 7870. The boss 7810 may be coupled via a frame 7880 disposed within the body portion 7805. The frame 7880 may be formed as a grid or matrix structure having openings 7885 therein for routing fluid flow paths through the frame 7880. The fluid flow path 7890 through the diffuser attachment 7800 can be seen in fig. 81.

Fig. 82A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a concentrator attachment configured for use with hair care appliance 100 including attachment mating assembly 7200 of fig. 72. The fluid flow path may extend from the inlet end 8205 to the outlet end 8210. Fluid flow may be provided via opening 8210. Various non-limiting shapes and sizes of the opening 8210 are contemplated. In this embodiment, the concentrator attachment 8200 can include a flow regulator 8220, the flow regulator 8220 being configured to vary the fluid flow provided by the concentrator attachment 8200. The user may change the fluid flow by adjusting the flow regulator 8220 within the flow-regulating rail 8225. Fig. 82B shows a bottom perspective view of the concentrator attachment 8200. Fig. 82C shows a side perspective view of the concentrator attachment 8200. As shown in fig. 82C, the outlet end 8230 may include an opening 8230. Various non-limiting shapes and sizes of the opening 8230 are contemplated.

Fig. 83A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a crimping attachment 8300 configured for use with hair care appliance 100 comprising attachment mating assembly 7200 illustrated and described in connection with fig. 72. The crimping attachment 8300 can include a mating portion 7820 and a body portion 8305. The inlet 8315 may be provided in the mating portion 7820. A fluid flow path may be provided between the inlet 8315 and the outlet 8320. The outlet 8320 may be disposed between plates 8310 extending along the central longitudinal axis of the crimping attachment 8300. The plate 8310 may be secured between the end cap 8325 and the mating portion 7820. The plate 8310 can be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the central longitudinal axis of the crimping attachment 8300 to enable crimping hair in multiple directions.

As shown in fig. 83B, some of the plates 8310 have been removed to illustrate the inner frame 8330 of the crimping attachment 8300. The frame 8330 may include a plurality of outlets 8335 formed between frame elements of the frame 8330. The fluid flow path may be received through the inlet 8315, through the interior of the frame 8330, through the opening 8335, and out of the crimping attachment 8300 through the outlet 8320. Various non-limiting shapes and sizes of the frame 8330 and the opening 8335 formed by the frame elements are contemplated.

Fig. 84A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a round brush attachment 8400 configured for use with a hair care appliance 100 including the attachment mating assembly 7200 illustrated and described in connection with fig. 72. The round brush attachment 8400 can receive fluid flow from the hair care appliance 100 via the inlet 8405. The round brush attachment 8400 can include a cover 8410 having a plurality of outlets (such as holes 8415 and slots 8420) through which fluid flow can pass formed in the cover 8410. The round brush attachment 8400 can include bristles 8425 protruding through the aperture 8415. In some embodiments, one or more bristles 8425 may protrude through the aperture 8415. The cover 8410 may be positioned between the end cap 8430 and the mating portion 7820.

The fluid flow received via the inlet 8405 can diffuse through a diffuser plate 8435 including holes 8440 as shown in fig. 84B, with fig. 84B illustrating a cut-away perspective view of the round brush attachment 8400 of fig. 84A. Various non-limiting shapes, sizes, and patterns of holes 8440 are contemplated. The inner body 8450 may include grooves 8455 of various non-limiting shapes, sizes, and patterns. Fluid flow may be advantageously directed to bore 8415 and grooves 8420, 8455 via baffle 8445. The baffle 8445 may be positioned within the inner body 8450 and may be coupled to the end cap 8430 or integrated with the end cap 8430. The inner body 8450 may be coupled to the mating portion 7820 and the end cap 8430. A gap 8455 may be formed between an outer surface of the inner body 8450 and an inner surface of the cover 8410. The gap 8455 may be sized to advantageously provide fluid flow through the aperture 8415 and the slot 8420. In some embodiments, the baffle 8445 is a hollow structure that does not include an inlet or an outlet. In some embodiments, the baffle 8445 may be a solid structure that does not include an inlet or an outlet. In some embodiments, the baffle 8445 may be a hollow structure or a solid structure, and may include at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

Fig. 85A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a paddle brush attachment 8500 configured for use with the hair care appliance 100 including the attachment mating assembly 7200 of fig. 72. The paddle brush attachment 8500 may include a mating portion 7820 and an inlet 8505. The cover 8510 may be coupled between the fitting portion 7820 and the end cap 8515. The cover 8510 may include a hole 8520 and a slot 8525 configured as an outlet of the paddle brush attachment 8500. Various non-limiting shapes, sizes, and patterns of holes 8520 and slots 8525 are contemplated. A plurality of bristles 8530 may extend through the cover 8510 via apertures 8520. A fluid flow path may extend from inlet 8505 through paddle brush attachment 8500 and out of aperture 8520 and slot 8525. In some embodiments, the aperture 8520 and bristles 8530 may be positioned on a single plane. In other embodiments, the apertures 8520 and bristles 8530 may wrap around the surface of the paddle brush attachment 8500.

The fluid flow path through the brush attachment 8500 may be directed to the surface and sides of the brush attachment by a flow diverter 8540 shown in fig. 85B, with fig. 85B showing a cutaway perspective view of the brush attachment 8500. The flow splitter 8540 may be positioned within a paddle brush attachment between the cover 8510 and the housing 8535. The flow splitter 8540 may include a plurality of curved fins 8545 to direct fluid flow within the paddle brush attachment 8500. As shown in fig. 86, the shunt 8540 may include a frame 8550 extending between a base 8555 and a head 8560. The base 8555 may include an opening 8565 corresponding to the inlet 8505. Various non-limiting shapes, numbers, and sizes of the frame 8550 and the tabs 8545 are contemplated to advantageously divert fluid flow received at the openings 8555 along the frame 8550 and toward the apertures 8520 and slots 8525 in the cover 8510.

The improved attachment mating mechanisms and assemblies of hair care appliances described herein have a number of advantages. For example, the attachment may be secured to the hair care appliance using a double mating technique. First, an attachment mating mechanism (e.g., a segmented concentric ring or raised hook feature formed to mate with a ferrule) at the outlet of the body housing may interface with a mating mechanism (e.g., a longitudinally oriented ridge or groove) of the attachment to couple to and reduce rotation of the attachment and body. The attachment actuator assembly may eliminate rotation of the attachment relative to the body housing by actuating to insert the tab into the slot of the mating portion of the attachment. Second, the attachment may be configured to extend over the outlet in a sleeve configuration. Furthermore, when the attachment is secured to the outlet, the sleeve enables a more compact design of the hair care appliance and, due to the compact design, enhances the user experience.

Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in this disclosure, like-named components of an embodiment generally have similar characteristics, and thus, in a particular embodiment, the various features of each like-named component are not necessarily fully set forth.

Approximating language, as used in the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, values modified by one or more terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are not limited to the precise values specified. In at least some cases, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Unless the context or language indicates otherwise, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the application based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A hair care appliance comprising:

a handle and a body movably coupled to each other at a joint such that the body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body is longitudinally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the handle and the body having a fluid flow path extending through the handle and the body from an inlet in the handle to an outlet in the body; and a first flow divider disposed in the body and configured to divide fluid in the fluid flow path in both the straight configuration and the folded configuration.

2. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the first flow splitter extends in a plane transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body.

3. The hair care appliance of claim 1, further comprising a second shunt in the handle.

4. The hair care appliance of claim 3, wherein the second flow splitter distributes the fluid flow within the handle in a radially uniform manner.

5. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the connector extends into the fluid flow path such that the fluid flow passes non-linearly through the connector.

6. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the joint comprises a swivel joint rotatable about a plane extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the handle, the angle being in the range of 30 degrees to 50 degrees.

7. The hair care appliance of claim 1, further comprising a heater positioned between the first flow splitter and the outlet, the first flow splitter configured to direct the fluid flow through the heater in a radially uniform manner.

8. The hair care appliance of claim 7, wherein the first flow splitter is configured to equally distribute the fluid flow into upper and lower portions passing through the heater and the outlet.

9. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the first diverter comprises a rounded edge that reduces turbulence of the fluid flow across the diverter.

10. The hair care appliance of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow path is sealed within the handle and the body.

11. A hair care appliance comprising:

a housing including a handle having an inlet, a body coupled to the handle and having an outlet, and a fluid flow path through the housing between the inlet and the outlet, the body being movable between a straight configuration in which the body extends along a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle; and

a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to generate a flow of fluid at a flow rate along the fluid flow path from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the flow rate in the bent configuration is no more than 11% less than the flow rate in the straight configuration.

12. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein in the bent configuration, the body extends obliquely relative to the handle.

13. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the handle has a length that is greater than a length of the body.

14. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the flow rate in the bent configuration is in the range of about 18.0m/s to 31.5m/s and the flow rate in the straight configuration is in the range of about 18.5m/s to 35.5 m/s.

15. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the ratio of the maximum to minimum flow rate in the bent configuration is about 1.7 and the ratio of the maximum to minimum flow rate in the straight configuration is about 1.6.

16. The hair care appliance of claim 11, wherein the fan assembly is disposed within the handle adjacent a pivot joint formed between the handle and the body.

17. A hair care appliance comprising:

a handle and a body movably coupled to each other at a joint, the handle and the body having a fluid flow path extending through the handle and the body between an inlet in the handle and an outlet in the body, the handle having a printed circuit board, a fan assembly having a central shaft and a plurality of fins extending radially outward from the central shaft, and a hub disposed between the printed circuit board and the fan assembly, the hub including a central dome configured to direct fluid flowing around the printed circuit board radially outward toward the plurality of fins.

18. The hair care appliance of claim 17, wherein the central dome is coupled to the ring frame by one or more dome supports.

19. The hair care appliance of claim 17, wherein the motor frame of the fan assembly comprises one or more curved fins to straighten the fluid flow path away from the plurality of fins.

20. A hair care appliance comprising:

a handle and a body coupled to the handle at a joint such that the body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the handle and the body having a centroid located below and forward of the longitudinal axis of the body in the bent configuration.

21. The hair care appliance of claim 20, wherein the handle comprises a first end defining an inlet and a second end at the junction, the body comprising a first end at the junction and a second end defining an outlet.

22. The hair care appliance of claim 21, wherein the printed circuit board is located within the handle and is positioned closer to the first end of the handle than to the second end of the handle.

23. The hair care appliance of claim 21, wherein the motor and fan are located within the handle and positioned closer to the second end of the handle than to the first end of the handle.

24. The hair care appliance of claim 21, wherein the heater is located within the body and is positioned closer to the second end of the body than to the first end of the body.

25. The hair care appliance of claim 20, further comprising a heater assembly located in the body and having a center point radially offset from a longitudinal axis extending through the handle when the body is in the bent configuration.

26. The hair care appliance of claim 20, wherein the handle and the body have a center of gravity that is radially offset from a longitudinal axis of the handle and the body in the bent configuration and the straight configuration.

27. The hair care appliance of claim 26, wherein the center of gravity in the bent configuration is radially offset a distance greater than the center of gravity in the straight configuration is offset from the longitudinal axis.

28. A hair care appliance comprising:

A handle and a body coupled to the handle at a joint such that the body is movable between a straight configuration in which the body is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a fully folded configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle, the handle and the body having an overall length in the straight configuration and the length of the handle being about 2/3 of the overall length, the length of the body being about 1/3 of the overall length.

29. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein in the straight configuration, the connector is configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the connector in response to a force in the range of about 3.1N to 3.6N.

30. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein in the bent configuration, the tab is configured to release the body from the handle to initiate rotation of the tab in response to a force in the range of about 5.1N to 5.3N.

31. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein when the connector is in a position between the straight configuration and the fully folded configuration, the connector is configured to rotate in response to a force in the range of about 3.6N to 4.0N.

32. The hair care appliance of claim 28, wherein the connector is configured to rotate in response to a torsional force in the range of about 0.1N to 0.7N.

33. A hair care appliance comprising:

a housing comprising a handle and a body coupled to the handle and movable between a straight configuration in which the body is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle and a bent configuration in which the body extends along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle;

a fan assembly disposed within the housing and configured to direct fluid along a fluid flow path from a fluid inlet in the housing to a fluid outlet in the housing; and

a heater assembly disposed within the housing and configured to heat a fluid flowing through the fluid flow path;

the main body is in a cylinder shape with a constant outer diameter, and the handle is in a cylinder shape with a gradually reduced outer diameter.

34. The hair care appliance of claim 33, further comprising a swivel joint rotatable to move the body relative to the handle in response to actuation of an actuation mechanism in the handle.

35. The hair care appliance of claim 34, wherein the swivel hinge joint comprises a snap hinge assembly comprising a retainer and a washer positioned on the retainer.

36. The hair care appliance of claim 35, wherein the snap hinge assembly is positioned between a handle hinge plate and a body hinge plate separated by a gap formed between the handle hinge plate and the body hinge plate.

37. The hair care appliance of claim 36, wherein the handle hinge plate includes a first plurality of snap features configured to couple the handle hinge plate to a handle frame and the body hinge plate includes a second plurality of snap features configured to couple the body hinge plate to a body frame.

38. A hair care appliance comprising:

a housing having a handle and a body, the housing having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path extending through the housing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet;

a heater assembly disposed in the housing along the fluid flow path and configured to heat fluid flowing through the fluid flow path, the heater assembly comprising:

An inner support structure comprising a central shaft and a plurality of planar segments extending radially outwardly from the central shaft along the central shaft, each planar segment of the plurality of planar segments being circumferentially spaced apart from one another, and

at least one wire element extending circumferentially around the inner support structure such that the inner support structure supports the at least one wire element,

wherein each planar segment of the plurality of planar segments includes a cutout formed therein and configured to allow fluid flow therethrough.

39. The hair care appliance of claim 38, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a thermistor having a first and a second connection wire mounted to at least one of the plurality of planar segments to suspend the thermistor in the fluid flow path at the fluid outlet.

40. The hair care appliance of claim 39, wherein the first wire and the second wire together form a u-shaped configuration.

41. The hair care appliance of claim 39, wherein the thermistor is suspended between two adjacent planar segments of the plurality of segments via the first wire and the second wire.

42. The hair care appliance of claim 41, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a fuse coupled to one of the two adjacent planar segments.

43. The hair care appliance of claim 38, further comprising a swivel hinge joint between the handle and the body, wherein wires powering the heater assembly are routed along the periphery of the swivel hinge joint and along the inner surfaces of the handle and the body.

44. The hair care appliance of claim 38, wherein the cutout formed in each of the plurality of planar segments has a shape selected from the group consisting of a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, a geometric shape, and an ellipsoid shape.

45. The hair care appliance of claim 38, wherein the heater assembly further comprises an ionizer coupled to at least one of the plurality of planar segments.

46. The hair care appliance of claim 38, wherein the heater assembly further comprises a cylindrical housing enclosing the internal support structure and the at least one wire element.

47. A hair care appliance comprising:

a housing including a handle having a second end and a first end formed with a fluid inlet, and a body having a first end coupled to the second end of the handle and a second end formed with a fluid outlet;

A fluid path extending through the housing between a fluid inlet in the handle and a fluid outlet in the body;

a fan assembly disposed in the housing along the fluid path for directing fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet;

a heater assembly disposed in the housing along the fluid path for heating fluid flowing through the fluid path; and

a user interface surface extending along a portion of the handle and including at least one knob for controlling at least one of the fan assembly and the heater assembly, the user interface surface extending from a first end toward a second end of the handle.

48. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the fluid inlet extends at least partially along a circumference of the handle at the first end of the handle, and the user interface surface intersects the fluid inlet.

49. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the at least one knob is flush or recessed with respect to the user interface surface.

50. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the user interface surface comprises an elongated region having opposite edges extending longitudinally along the handle to facilitate gripping of the handle.

51. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the fluid inlet comprises a generally C-shaped cylindrical porous outer housing and a filter disposed in the outer housing.

52. The hair care appliance of claim 51, wherein the user interface intersects the generally C-shaped cylindrical porous outer shell and the filter.

53. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the user interface is located in a scalloped portion of the handle.

54. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the user interface comprises at least one lighting element that illuminates the at least one button or surface of the user interface.

55. The hair care appliance of claim 47, further comprising a blower button for turning off the heater assembly to cause unheated fluid to flow through the fluid path.

56. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the at least one button controlling the fan assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one speed setting of the fan assembly.

57. The hair care appliance of claim 47, wherein the at least one button controlling the heater assembly can be repeatedly engaged to select at least one temperature setting of the heater assembly.