EP4606259A1

EP4606259A1 - Hair curler

Info

Publication number: EP4606259A1
Application number: EP25160114.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kyle MARCINIAK
Original assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
Current assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
Priority date: 2024-02-26
Filing date: 2025-02-25
Publication date: 2025-08-27
Also published as: WO2025184066A1

Abstract

A hair care accessory is provided for use in drying and/or styling hair and includes a hollow elongate frame having an air inlet and a plurality of fluid diversion segments spaced longitudinally there along. Each fluid diversion segment can have a plurality of vanes extending around an outer surface of the frame between first and second opposed ends of the segment. The hair care accessory can also include a plurality of cover assemblies coupled to the hollow elongate frame and covering the plurality of fluid diversion segments. The plurality of cover assemblies can form a first plurality of outlets at the second end of each fluid diversion segment. The plurality of vanes can be configured to direct a fluid flow received from the air inlet through the first plurality of outlets such that the fluid flows circumferentially around outer surfaces of the plurality of cover assemblies.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/557,830 filed on February 26, 2024 , and entitled "Hair Curler," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Hair curlers for use with hair care appliances are provided.

BACKGROUND

Hair curlers are devices that can be used with hair care appliances, such as hair dryers, for drying and styling of hair. Hair curlers can include a variety of components operable to receive and convey a fluid flow via a fluid flow path extending from the hair care appliance and into the hair curler. The fluid flow path receives ambient air and directs the ambient air through the hair care appliance via a motor and fan assembly. The fluid flow path is directed across a heating assembly to generate heated air at an outlet of the hair care appliance. Air is expelled from the hair care appliance via the fluid flow path to enable a user to dry or style hair. One or more hair curlers or hair care accessories are often used with the hair care appliance depending on the user's hair styling or treatment needs.

SUMMARY

Hair care accessories, such as hair curlers, configured for use with a hair care accessory are provided. In one embodiment, a hair care accessory can include a hollow elongate frame having an air inlet at a first end and a plurality of fluid diversion segments spaced longitudinally there along. Each fluid diversion segment can have a plurality of vanes extending around an outer surface of the hollow elongate frame between first and second opposed ends of the segment. The hair care accessory can also include a plurality of cover assemblies coupled to the hollow elongate frame and covering the plurality of fluid diversion segments. The plurality of cover assemblies can form a first plurality of outlets at the second end of each fluid diversion segment. The plurality of vanes can be configured to direct a fluid flow received from the air inlet through the first plurality of outlets such that the fluid flows circumferentially around outer surfaces of the plurality of cover assemblies.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of fluid diversion segments has a substantially frustoconical shape. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of fluid diversion segments has an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than an outer diameter at the first end. In some embodiments, the plurality of vanes are spiral-shaped.
In some embodiments, the hair care accessory can further include a first fluid diversion segment adjacent to the air inlet of the hollow elongate frame. The first fluid diversion segment can have a first vane oriented in a first rotational direction and a second vane oriented in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. In other embodiments, the plurality of cover assemblies can include at least one cover plate pair comprising opposing cover plates coupled to another and covering at least one fluid diversion region. In some embodiments, the plurality of first outlets are formed between the hollow elongate frame and each cover assembly.
In some embodiments, a first end of a first cover assembly of the plurality of cover assemblies can be positioned at the first end of a first fluid diversion segment such that the first end of the first cover assembly can abut a vane positioned at the second end of a second fluid diversion segment of the plurality of segments positioned adjacent to the first fluid diversion segment. In other embodiments, each of the first plurality of outlets can extend circumferentially in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate frame. In some embodiments, the hollow elongate frame can include a second plurality of outlets fluidically coupled the air inlet and to the first plurality of outlets. The second plurality of outlets can be positioned around a circumference of the hollow elongate frame within each fluid diversion segment. In some embodiments, a width of vanes in each fluid diversion segment can increase between the first end and the second end of the fluid diversion segment.
In another embodiment, a hair care accessory is provided and can include a hollow elongate body having a plurality of ring-shaped segments. Each ring-shaped segment can have a first end and a second end opposite the first end such that the first end of a first ring-shaped segment abuts the second end of a second ring-shaped segment adjacent to the first ring-shaped segment. Each ring-shaped segment can further have a plurality of vanes configured to receive fluid from a fluid inlet in the hollow elongate body and to direct fluid though a plurality of outlets formed at the second end of each ring-shaped segment such that fluid flows circumferentially around an outer surface of the plurality of ring-shaped segments
In some embodiments, the hollow elongate body includes a hollow elongate frame having the air inlet at a first end thereof. Each ring-shaped segment can include a ring positioned over the hollow elongate frame. In some aspects, each ring can have a plurality of vanes formed on an inner surface thereof.
In some embodiments, the second end of each ring can include a circumferential inner wall disposed radially inward of a circumferential outer wall of the ring. The plurality of outlets can be formed between the circumferential inner wall and the circumferential outer wall of the ring. In other embodiments, the circumferential inner wall of each ring can abut the second end of an adjacent ring. In some embodiments, each ring can include a tab projecting inward into a circumferential slot in the hollow elongate frame to couple each ring to the hollow elongate frame. In other embodiments, a portion of the plurality of vanes at the second end of each ring can surround the circumferential inner wall.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of ring-shaped segments can have an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than an outer diameter at the first end. In other embodiments, the plurality of vanes can be spiral-shaped. In some embodiments, the hair care accessory can include a first ring positioned adjacent to the air inlet in the hollow elongate frame. The first ring can have a first spiral-shaped vane oriented in a first rotational direction and a second spiral-shaped vane oriented in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a hair curler described herein;
FIG. 2A is a side view of the hair curler of FIG. 1 with a cover plate and a cover assembly removed;
FIG. 2B is a side view of the hair curler of FIG. 1 with a plurality of cover assemblies removed;
FIG. 3 is a detailed side view of a first cover plate and a plurality of vanes of the hair curler of FIG. 1 with a second cover plate removed;
FIG. 4 is a detailed side view of a plurality of outlets of the hair curler of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a fluid diversion segment showing first and second outlets of the hair curler of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a hair curler described herein;
FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a plurality of rings and a frame of the hair curler of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of a ring of the hair curler of FIG. 6; and
FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of the ring of FIG. 8A.

It is noted that the drawings are not necessarily 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

Various exemplary hair curlers configured for use with hair care appliances are provided herein. In general, the hair care appliance can be in the form of a hair dryer that has an air inlet and at least one air outlet, and various internal components that facilitate use and operation of the hair care appliance, such as a fan, motor, and heater. Various hair care accessories, such as hair curlers, are provided for use with a hair care appliance, and the configuration of the appliance can be varied based on the type of hair care accessory mated to the hair care appliance.
The hair curlers described herein can be configured to couple to a hair care appliance, for example as an attachment, and can be used to treat the hair, including drying, curling, and/or otherwise styling hair. The hair curlers described herein include a number of advantageous features which can enhance the provision of a fluid flow exiting the hair curler described herein. As a result, the hair curlers herein can improve the drying curling, and/or styling of hair compared to existing hair curlers or hair curling accessories.
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a hair curler 100 configured to couple with a hair care appliance, such as a hair dryer, to receive a fluid flow from the hair care appliance. The illustrated hair curler 100 includes a frame 102 having a plurality of cover assemblies 101, such as cover assemblies 101A-101F, mounted thereon to form an elongate member having a first end 103 and a second end 104. In some embodiments, the plurality of cover assemblies 101 can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more cover assemblies. In some aspects, each cover assembly 101 can have a substantially cylindrical shape having a lumen therein extending between a first end 113 and a second end 114 of the cover assembly 101, as shown by example in FIGS. 1 and 5. However, the shape can vary and the cover assemblies need not be circular in cross-section. Other shapes, such as oval, oblong, or any other geometric or irregular shape are envisioned. In some embodiments, one or more of the cover assemblies 101 can have a frustoconical shape or an inverted tulip shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the first end 113 of a cover assembly 101 is less than the diameter of the second end 114 of an adjacent cover assembly 101. In this way, a plurality of outlets 109 can be provided at the second end 114 of the cover assembly 101 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5.
The cover assemblies 101 can be formed from a pair of cover plates, such as a left cover plate 101B-1 and a right cover plate 101B-2, as shown in FIG. 2A. The cover plates can be configured to couple together around the frame 102. In some embodiments, the cover plates can be welded together. In some embodiments, the cover plates can include attachment or mating mechanisms configured to join one cover plate to another cover plate. Although the cover plates are shown as approximately cylindrical halves with longitudinally oriented edges, it is envisioned that, in some embodiments, the cover plates could be of approximately cylindrical halves with horizontally oriented edges. In some embodiments, a single cover plate, such as cover plate 101F can be coupled to the frame 102 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A.
Returning to FIG. 1, at a first end 103, the hair curler 100 can include an end cap 105. The end cap 105 can include a protruding portion configured to assist a user manipulating the hair curler 100. The second end 104 of the hair curler 100 can include an air inlet 106. The air inlet 106 can receive a fluid flow F from a hair care appliance when the hair curler 100 is coupled thereto. The hair curler 100 can include an appliance mating portion 107 at the second end 104 configured to couple the hair curler 100 with the hair care appliance. The appliance mating portion 107 can include one or more slots 108 positioned on an exterior surface of the cylindrical base of the frame 102. The hair care appliance can include one or more corresponding protrusions which can be received within the slots 108 when the hair curler 100 is coupled to the hair care appliance. Conversely, the slots can be located on the hair appliance and the hair curler can have protrusions. Other mating techniques, such as magnets, can be used.
The hair curler 100 can include a plurality of outlets 109 configured at the second end 114 of the cover assemblies 101 to direct the fluid flow F in a first direction F_A, such as a downward direction as shown for the outlets 109 associate with cover assemblies 101A-101F or a second direction F_B, such as an upward direction as shown for outlet 109F-1 associated with cover assembly 101F as shown in FIG. 1. The plurality of outlets 109 can be in the form of openings formed between the cover assemblies 101 and the hollow elongate frame 102 and can extend around a circumference of the frame 102 at the second end 114 of the cover assemblies 101. In some embodiments, the outlets 109 can extend around a circumference of the frame 102 at the first end 113 of the cover assemblies 101F, such as the outlets 109F-1 of cover assembly 101F.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the hair curler 100 can include a hollow elongate frame 102 that includes a plurality of fluid diversion segments 110 spaced there along (e.g., fluid diversion segments 110A-110F). The frame 102 can have a unibody construction such that it comprises a single component with the fluid diversion segments 110 spaced there along. In some embodiments, the frame 102 can include a plurality of fluid diversion segments that are coupled to one another to form the frame 102. The fluid diversion segments 110 can have a frustoconical shape or an inverted tulip shape corresponding to a shape of the cover assemblies 101 as shown for fluid diversion segments 110A-110E. At least one fluid diversion segment can have a ring shape as shown for fluid diversion segment 110F.
The frame 102 can include a plurality of vanes 111 that can extend from an outer surface 115 of the frame 102 as shown in FIGS. 2B-5. The vanes 111 can have a substantially spiral shape and can extend around the outer surface 115 of the frame 102 within one or more fluid diversion segments 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid diversion segment 110 can have a first end 113 (corresponding to a first end 113 of a cover assembly 101) and a second end 114 (corresponding to a second end 114 of the cover assembly 101). The vanes 111 can extend longitudinally between the first end 113 and the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110. The number of vanes 111 within a fluid diversion segment 110 can vary. In some embodiments, each fluid diversion segment 110 can include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 vanes 111 positioned around the circumference of the outer wall 115 of the frame 102 and extending between the first end 113 and the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110.
The vanes 111 can be oriented on the outer surface 115 of the frame 102 in a first rotational direction R1 (e.g., a counter-clockwise rotational direction,) as shown in FIGS. 2A-5. In some embodiments, the vanes 111 can be oriented on the outer surface 115 of the frame 102 in a second rotational direction R2, (e.g., a clockwise rotational direction,) that is opposite the first rotational direction R1. In some embodiments, a fluid diversion segment 110 can include vanes oriented in the first rotational direction (R1) and the second rotational direction (R2) as shown in FIG. 2B, for example, where the fluid diversion segment 110F includes a first plurality of vanes 111A oriented in the second rotational direction R2 and a second plurality of vanes 111B oriented in the first rotational direction R1.
The vanes 111 can be spaced apart from one another between the first end 113 and the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110 by a vane spacing V_S, measuring a distance along the longitudinal axis A of the frame 102 between two adjacent vanes 111 as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the vanes 111 can be spaced apart at equal intervals, such that V_S can be constant between the vanes 111 positioned between first end 113 and the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110. In some embodiments, the vanes 111 may not be spaced apart at equal intervals, such that V_S can vary between the vanes 111. In some embodiments, the vanes 111 can be spaced apart from one another relative to a vane pitch V_P measured along the longitudinal axis A of the frame 102 between center points of adjacent vanes 111.
Vanes 111 can have a width Vw and a height V_H as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the vane height V_H can be constant for each vane 111 positioned between first end 113 and the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110. In some embodiments, the vane height V_H can vary for one or more vanes 111 positioned between first end 113 and the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, the width V_W of the vanes 111 can vary between first end 113 and the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110. The width of the vane V_W can be a measure of distance that the vane 111 protrudes from the outer wall 115 of the frame 102. For example, the vane width V_W can be shorter at the first end 113 of the fluid diversion segment and can increase toward the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110. The number of vanes, the vane pitch V_P, the vane spacing V_S, the vane height V_H and/or the vane width Vw can correspond to a shape of the fluid diversion segment 110 and/or a shape the cover assembly 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a vane 111 at the second end 114 of one fluid diversion segment 110B can have a vane width V_W configured to correspond with a diameter of a cover assembly 101C of an adjacent fluid diversion segment 110. In this way, the adjacent cover assembly 101C can abut the vane 111 positioned at the second end 114 of the fluid diversion segment 110B.
The vanes 111 can be fluidically coupled to the plurality of outlets 112 of the frame 102 as shown in FIGS. 3-5. The outlets 112 can have a substantially spiral shape corresponding to the shape and arrangement of vanes 111, although other shapes and arrangements can be envisioned. The outlet 112 can extend partially within a fluid diversion segment 110, although the length of the outlets 112 can vary with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the frame 102. In some embodiments, the outlets 112 can be positioned close to the first end 113 of the fluid diversion segment 110, although other positions can be envisioned.
A fluid flow received via the air inlet 106 from a hair care appliance to which the hair curler 100 is coupled can pass into the lumen 118 of the frame 102 and through the outlets 112. The fluid flow can be diverted by the vanes 111 in a rotational direction (e.g., R1 or R2) around the outer surface 115 of the frame 102, through a plenum chamber 117 formed between the cover assembly 101 and the frame 102 within each fluid diversion segment 110, and toward the plurality of outlets 109 positioned around the circumference of the cover assemblies 110. The vanes 111 can be configured to divert the fluid flow F out through the outlets in a first direction F_A and/or a second direction F_B and over an outer surface 119 of the cover assemblies 101.
FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hair curler 200 configured to couple with a hair care appliance, such as a hair dryer, to receive a fluid flow from the hair care appliance. The hair curler 200 can include similar features and perform similar functions compared to the hair curler 100, except where noted otherwise herein. The illustrated hair curler 200 includes a plurality of rings 201, such as rings 201A-201F, that can be stacked upon one another to form an elongate member having a first end 203 and a second end 204. In some embodiments, the plurality of rings 201 can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more rings. In some aspects, each ring 201 can have a substantially annular, cylindrical shape having a lumen therein extending between a first end 216 and a second end 217 of the ring 201, as shown by example in FIGS. 7 and 8. However, the shape can vary and the rings 201 need not be circular in cross-section. Other shapes, such as oval, oblong, or any other geometric or irregular shape are envisioned. In some embodiments, one or more of the rings 201 can have a frustoconical shape or an inverted tulip shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the first end 216 of a ring 201 is less than the diameter of the second end 217 of an adjacent ring 201. In this way, a plurality of outlets 209 can be provided at the second end 217 of the rings 201 as shown in FIGS. 6-8.
At a first end 203, the hair curler 200 can include an end cap 205. The end cap 205 can include a protruding portion configured to assist a user manipulating the hair curler 200. The second end 204 of the hair curler 200 can include an air inlet 206. The air inlet 206 can receive a fluid flow F from a hair care appliance when the hair curler 200 is coupled thereto. The hair curler 200 can include an appliance mating portion 207 at the second end 204 configured to couple the hair curler 200 with the hair care appliance. The appliance mating portion 207 can include one or more slots 208 positioned on an exterior surface of the cylindrical base of the frame 202. The hair care appliance can include one or more corresponding protrusions which can be received within the slots 208 when the hair curler 200 is coupled to the hair care appliance. Conversely, the slots can be located on the hair appliance and the hair curler can have protrusions. Other mating techniques, such as magnets, can be used.
The hair curler 200 can include a plurality of outlets 209 configured at the second end 217 of the rings 201 to direct the fluid flow F in a first direction F_A, such as a downward direction as shown for the outlets 209 associate with rings 201A-201F or a second direction F_B, such as an upward direction as shown for outlet 209F-1 associated with cover assembly 201F as shown in FIG. 6. The plurality of outlets 209 can be in the form of openings formed between the rings 201 and the hollow elongate frame 202 and can extend around a circumference of the frame 202 at the second end 217 of the rings 201. In some embodiments, the outlets 209 can extend around a circumference of the frame 202 at the first end 216 of the rings 201, such as the outlets 209F-1 of ring 201F.
At the second end 217 of rings 201, the outlets 209 can be formed between an outer circumferential wall 218 and an inner circumferential wall 219 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A. The circumferential inner wall 219 can be configured as an outer wall of collar 220 positioned at the second end 217 of rings 201. The collar 220 can include an inner wall 223 opposite the circumferential inner wall 219 configured to abut a portion of the frame 202. The collar 220 can also include one or more tabs 221 that protrude into the lumen 225 of the ring 201. The tabs 221 can spaced around the circumference of the inner wall 223 and can be received within one or more corresponding slots 222 of the frame 202 as shown in FIG. 7. Once received within the slots 222, the ring 201 can be securely coupled to the frame 202.
The collar 220 of at a second end 217 of a ring 201 can include a lower wall 224 configured to abut an upper wall 225 at a first end 216 of an adjacent ring 201, as shown in FIG. 7. This can allow rings 201 to be stacked upon one another to form the elongate member of the hair curler 200. The diameter of the lower wall 224 of the collar 220 can be sized to match the diameter of the upper wall 225 so as to create a seal between adjacent rings 201.
Rings 201 can include a plurality of vanes 211 formed on an inner surface 213 thereof as shown in FIGS. 7-8B. The vanes 211 can have a substantially spiral shape and can extend around the inner surface 213 of rings 201. The vanes 211 can extend longitudinally between the first end 216 and the second end 217 of the ring 201. The number of vanes 211 positioned on the inner surface 213 of the ring 201 can vary. In some embodiments, each ring 201 can include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 vanes 211 positioned around the circumference of the inner surface 213 of the ring 201.
The vanes 211 can be oriented on the inner surface 213 of the ring 201 in a first rotational direction R1, (e.g., a counter-clockwise rotational direction,) as shown in FIGS. 7-8B. In some embodiments, the vanes 211 can be oriented on the inner surface 213 of the ring 201 in a second rotational direction R2, (e.g., a clockwise rotational direction,) that is opposite the first rotational direction R1. In some embodiments, a ring 201 can include vanes oriented in the first rotational direction (R1) and the second rotational direction (R2) as shown in FIG. 6, for example, where the ring 201F includes a ring frame 226 that includes a first plurality of vanes 211 oriented in the second rotational direction R2 so as to produce fluid flow F_B and a second plurality of vanes 211 oriented in the first rotational direction R1 so as to produce fluid flow F_A. The ring frame 226 can correspond to the fluid diversion segment 112F shown and described in relation to FIG. 2B.
The vanes 211 can be spaced apart from one another between the first end 216 and the second end 217 of the ring 201 by a vane spacing V_S, measuring a distance along the longitudinal axis A of the frame 202 between two adjacent vanes 211 as shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the vanes 211 can be spaced apart at equal intervals, such that V_S can be constant between the vanes 211 positioned between first end 216 and the second end 217 of the rings 201. In some embodiments, the vanes 211 may not be spaced apart at equal intervals, such that V_S can vary between the vanes 211. In some embodiments, the vanes 211 can be spaced apart from one another relative to a vane pitch V_P measured along the longitudinal axis A of the frame 202 between center points of adjacent vanes 211.
Vanes 211 can have a width V_W and a height V_H as shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the vane height V_H can be constant for each vane 211 positioned between first end 216 and the second end 217 of the ring 201. In some embodiments, the vane height V_H can vary for one or more vanes 211 positioned between first end 216 and the second end 217 of the ring 201.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, the width V_W of the vanes 111 can vary between first end 216 and the second end 217 of the rings 201 and a gap 214 can be configured between the outer surface 215 of the frame 202 and the vane 211. The width of the vane Vw can be a measure of distance that the vane 211 protrudes from the inner surface 213 of the ring 201. For example, the vane width Vw can be shorter at the first end 216 of the ring 201 and can increase toward the second end 217 of the ring 201. The number of vanes, the vane pitch V_P, the vane spacing V_S, the vane height V_H and/or the vane width V_W can correspond to a shape of the rings 201 and/or a shape of the outer surface 215 of the frame 202.
The vanes 211 can be fluidically coupled to the plurality of outlets 210 of the frame 202 as shown in FIGS. 6-7. The outlets 210 can have a substantially rectilinear shape, although other shapes and arrangements can be envisioned. The outlets 210 can be spaced along the frame 202 and can have an opening area that increases in size from the second end 204 to the first end 203 of the frame 202 as shown in FIG. 6.
A fluid flow received via the air inlet 206 from a hair care appliance to which the hair curler 200 is coupled can pass into the lumen 227 of the frame 202 and through the outlets 210. The fluid flow can be diverted by the vanes 211 in a rotational direction (e.g., R1 or R2) around the outer surface 215 of the frame 202, through a plenum chamber 226 formed via the gap 214 between the vanes 211 and the frame 202, and toward the plurality of outlets 209 positioned around the circumference of the rings 201. The vanes 211 can be configured to divert the fluid flow F out through the outlets in a first direction F_A and/or a second direction F_B and over an outer surface 218 of the rings 201.
In some embodiments, the second end 217 of a ring 201 can include a plurality of indentations 228 arranged around the circumference of the ring as shown on ring 201A in FIG. 8A and 8B. The indentations 228 can be configured to guide the fluid flow provided at the second end 217 of each ring 201 via the outlets 209 onto an adjacent ring 201.
Embodiments of the hair curlers 100 and 200 described herein produce several advantages. For example, the arrangement of outlets 112, 210 in the frame 102, 202 and the plurality of outlets 109, 209 configured in the cover assemblies 101 and the rings 201, respectively, can evenly distribute airflow within the plenum chamber 117, 226 and along the length of the accessory 100, 200. The positive air flow pressure generated by the chamber 117, 226 formed by the frame 102, 202 and/or the elongate member formed by the plurality of cover assemblies 101 and rings 201 can improve adherence of hair to the accessory via a Coanda effect. As a result, the accessory can provide more efficient drying and styling of hair with improved permanency in applied styles.
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 nonlimiting 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. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout 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, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.
One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present 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.

List of Examples

Example 1. A hair care accessory comprising:
- a hollow elongate frame having an air inlet at a first end and a plurality of fluid diversion segments spaced longitudinally there along, each fluid diversion segment having a plurality of vanes extending around an outer surface of the hollow elongate frame between first and second opposed ends of the segment; and
- a plurality of cover assemblies coupled to the hollow elongate frame and covering the plurality of fluid diversion segments, the plurality of cover assemblies forming a first plurality of outlets at the second end of each fluid diversion segment, the plurality of vanes being configured to direct a fluid flow received from the air inlet through the first plurality of outlets such that the fluid flows circumferentially around outer surfaces of the plurality of cover assemblies.
Example 2. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein each of the plurality of fluid diversion segments has a substantially frustoconical shape.
Example 3. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein each of the plurality of fluid diversion segments has an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than an outer diameter at the first end.
Example 4. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein the plurality of vanes are spiral-shaped.
Example 5. The hair care accessory of Example 4, further comprising a first fluid diversion segment adjacent to the air inlet of the hollow elongate frame, the first fluid diversion segment having a first vane oriented in a first rotational direction and a second vane oriented in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
Example 6. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein the plurality of cover assemblies include at least one cover plate pair comprising opposing cover plates coupled to another and covering at least one fluid diversion region.
Example 7. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein the plurality of first outlets are formed between the hollow elongate frame and each cover assembly.
Example 8. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein a first end of a first cover assembly of the plurality of cover assemblies is positioned at the first end of a first fluid diversion segment such that the first end of the first cover assembly abuts a vane positioned at the second end of a second fluid diversion segment of the plurality of segments positioned adjacent to the first fluid diversion segment.
Example 9. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein each of the first plurality of outlets extends circumferentially in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow elongate frame.
Example 10. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein the hollow elongate frame comprises a second plurality of outlets fluidically coupled the air inlet and to the first plurality of outlets, the second plurality of outlets positioned around a circumference of the hollow elongate frame within each fluid diversion segment.
Example 11. The hair care accessory of Example 1, wherein a width of vanes in each fluid diversion segment increases between the first end and the second end of the fluid diversion segment.
Example 12. A hair care accessory comprising:
a hollow elongate body having a plurality of ring-shaped segments, each ring-shaped segment having a first end and a second end opposite the first end such that the first end of a first ring-shaped segment abuts the second end of a second ring-shaped segment adjacent to the first ring-shaped segment, and each ring-shaped segment having a plurality of vanes configured to receive fluid from a fluid inlet in the hollow elongate body and to direct fluid though a plurality of outlets formed at the second end of each ring-shaped segment such that fluid flows circumferentially around an outer surface of the plurality of ring-shaped segments.
Example 13. The hair care accessory of Example 12, wherein the hollow elongate body includes a frame having the air inlet at a first end thereof, and wherein each ring-shaped segment comprises a ring positioned over the hollow elongate frame.
Example 14. The hair care accessory of Example 13, wherein the plurality of vanes are formed on an inner surface of each ring.
Example 15. The hair care accessory of Example 14, wherein the second end of each ring comprises a circumferential inner wall disposed radially inward of a circumferential outer wall of the ring, the plurality of outlets being formed between the circumferential inner wall and the circumferential outer wall of the ring.
Example 16. The hair care accessory of Example 15, wherein the circumferential inner wall of each ring abuts the second end of an adjacent ring.
Example 17. The hair care accessory of Example 16, wherein each ring includes a tab projecting inward into a circumferential slot in the hollow elongate frame to couple each ring to the hollow elongate frame.
Example 18. The hair care accessory of Example 15, wherein a portion of the plurality of vanes at the second end of each ring surrounds the circumferential inner wall.
Example 19. The hair care accessory of Example 12, wherein each of the plurality of ring-shaped segments has an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than an outer diameter at the first end.
Example 20. The hair care accessory of Example 12, wherein the plurality of vanes are spiral-shaped.
Example 21. The hair care accessory of Example 13, further comprising a first ring positioned adjacent to the air inlet in the hollow elongate frame, the first ring having a first spiral-shaped vane oriented in a first rotational direction and a second spiral-shaped vane oriented in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

Claims

A hair care accessory comprising:
a hollow elongate frame having an air inlet at a first end and a plurality of fluid diversion segments spaced longitudinally there along, each fluid diversion segment having a plurality of vanes extending around an outer surface of the hollow elongate frame between first and second opposed ends of the segment; and

a plurality of cover assemblies coupled to the hollow elongate frame and covering the plurality of fluid diversion segments, the plurality of cover assemblies forming a first plurality of outlets at the second end of each fluid diversion segment, the plurality of vanes being configured to direct a fluid flow received from the air inlet through the first plurality of outlets such that the fluid flows circumferentially around outer surfaces of the plurality of cover assemblies.
The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fluid diversion segments has an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than an outer diameter at the first end.
The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vanes are spiral-shaped.
The hair care accessory of claim 3, further comprising a first fluid diversion segment adjacent to the air inlet of the hollow elongate frame, the first fluid diversion segment having a first vane oriented in a first rotational direction and a second vane oriented in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction.
The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first outlets are formed between the hollow elongate frame and each cover assembly.
The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein a first end of a first cover assembly of the plurality of cover assemblies is positioned at the first end of a first fluid diversion segment such that the first end of the first cover assembly abuts a vane positioned at the second end of a second fluid diversion segment of the plurality of segments positioned adjacent to the first fluid diversion segment.
The hair care accessory of claim 1, wherein the hollow elongate frame comprises a second plurality of outlets fluidically coupled the air inlet and to the first plurality of outlets, the second plurality of outlets positioned around a circumference of the hollow elongate frame within each fluid diversion segment.
A hair care accessory comprising:
a hollow elongate body having a plurality of ring-shaped segments, each ring-shaped segment having a first end and a second end opposite the first end such that the first end of a first ring-shaped segment abuts the second end of a second ring-shaped segment adjacent to the first ring-shaped segment, and each ring-shaped segment having a plurality of vanes configured to receive fluid from a fluid inlet in the hollow elongate body and to direct fluid though a plurality of outlets formed at the second end of each ring-shaped segment such that fluid flows circumferentially around an outer surface of the plurality of ring-shaped segments.
The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein the hollow elongate body includes a frame having the air inlet at a first end thereof, and wherein each ring-shaped segment comprises a ring positioned over the hollow elongate frame.
The hair care accessory of claim 9, wherein the plurality of vanes are formed on an inner surface of each ring.
The hair care accessory of claim 10, wherein the second end of each ring comprises a circumferential inner wall disposed radially inward of a circumferential outer wall of the ring, the plurality of outlets being formed between the circumferential inner wall and the circumferential outer wall of the ring.
The hair care accessory of claim 11, wherein the circumferential inner wall of each ring abuts the second end of an adjacent ring.
The hair care accessory of claim 11, wherein a portion of the plurality of vanes at the second end of each ring surrounds the circumferential inner wall.
The hair care accessory of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of ring-shaped segments has an outer diameter at the second end that is greater than an outer diameter at the first end.
The hair care accessory of claim 9, further comprising a first ring positioned adjacent to the air inlet in the hollow elongate frame, the first ring having a first spiral-shaped vane oriented in a first rotational direction and a second spiral-shaped vane oriented in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.