GB2561717A

GB2561717A - Hair dryer wand

Info

Publication number: GB2561717A
Application number: GB1804608.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chantel Laurent Lili
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-22
Filing date: 2018-03-22
Publication date: 2018-10-24
Also published as: GB201704560D0; GB201804608D0; GB2560736A

Abstract

A controller suitable for use in a hair drying wand comprises a tactile user input such as buttons 35-39 for selecting a hair drying level, and a display such as an LCD screen 30. An electricity regulator (not shown) regulates the electricity supplied to hair drying means within the wand according to the hair drying level selected. The regulator may regulate electricity to a heating element or to an airflow assembly, or to both. The tactile user input may allow the user to select from a plurality of incremental hair drying levels. A thermometer may be provided for measuring the temperature of air blown through the wand, and the temperature may be displayed 33. The display, which may be a touch screen display, may show the hair drying level selected 34. A detachable accessory (100, fig.7) may be fastened to the wand by means of a tongue (55, fig.8) and groove (60, fig.9) twist-lock connection.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Lili Chantel Laurent

Cambridge Gardens, London, W10 6JE, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A45D 20/50 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2014/012197 A CN 207011890 U US 20170055667 A US 20060098962 A (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA45D Other: EPODOC, WPI

A45D 20/12 (2006.01)

WO 2009/086063 A CN 104207455 A US 20150313340 A (72) Inventor(s):

Lili Chantel Laurent (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

ipconsult

21A Commercial Road, SWANAGE, Dorset, BH19 1DF, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Hair dryer wand

Abstract Title: A controller for a hair drying wand (57) A controller suitable for use in a hair drying wand comprises a tactile user input such as buttons 35-39 for selecting a hair drying level, and a display such as an LCD screen 30. An electricity regulator (not shown) regulates the electricity supplied to hair drying means within the wand according to the hair drying level selected. The regulator may regulate electricity to a heating element or to an airflow assembly, or to both. The tactile user input may allow the user to select from a plurality of incremental hair drying levels. A thermometer may be provided for measuring the temperature of air blown through the wand, and the temperature may be displayed 33. The display, which may be a touch screen display, may show the hair drying level selected 34. A detachable accessory (100, fig.7) may be fastened to the wand by means of a tongue (55, fig.8) and groove (60, fig.9) twist-lock connection.

FIG. 10

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

07 18

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A HAIR DRYER WAND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hair dryer and more particularly to a hair drying apparatus which is in the form of a wand.

Background

There are a number of conventional devices for drying hair. However, the conventional devices do not enable the user to efficiently dry and shape specific portions of the hair whilst simultaneously detangling the hair.

Due to the design restrictions of conventional devices, the degree over which the device can be rotated relative to the user’s head are limited. As a result, the styles which can be accomplished by the user are limited using the conventional devices.

There is therefore a need for a device which is capable of being used over an increased range of angles relative to the head of the user.

Prior Art

US-2010/263223 discloses a dryer comprising: a cylindrical body having an open forward end and a closed rearward end with at least one air intake opening. A motor and heater coils are located in the housing. A power source is also provided in the housing.

Japanese Patent Application JP S5436873 A discloses a hair dryer with the sensing portion of a thermostat arranged at the highest temperature portion of the hair dryer.

Dutch Patent Application NL 1023465C 2 discloses a hair styling tool comprising a brush head which is removable from a handle which emits hot air.

Japanese Patent Application JP 2011224196 A discloses a hair dryer with a detachable water holding unit.

US Patent Application US 2010/263223 A1 discloses a hair dryer with a cylindrical body and several replaceable and substitutable attachments.

Chinese Patent Application JP discloses a hair dryer comb assembly comprising a hair dryer comb which is detachable from a handle.

International Patent Application WO 2007/078139 A1 discloses a hair styling dryer comprising a comb which is detachable from an associated main body.

Japanese Patent Application JP H05168514 A discloses a hair curler comprising a nearly tubular main body and a brush-like attachment removably mounted thereto.

Summary of the Invention

According to first aspect of the invention there is a controller for affecting air blown through a hair drying wand comprising: a tactile user input on the wand for selecting a hair drying level, a display on the wand which shows the hair drying level selected, and an electricity regulator housed in the wand for regulating electricity supplied to a hair drying means which the wand comprises.

Advantageously the hair dryer in the form of the wand may comprise the invention.

Preferably a hair drying wand comprises: an elongate housing. Preferably the housing comprising a power connection.

Preferably the housing comprises at least a first engagement feature for releasable engagement with one or more hair drying accessories.

Preferably the housing comprises an air inlet located at a first end of the housing and an air outlet located at a second opposed end of the housing.

Preferably the wand comprises a heating element located within the housing.

Preferably the housing comprises an airflow assembly for creating air flow extending from the air inlet to the air outlet such that the air flow extends through and exits the air outlet in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate housing.

Preferably the hair drying wand comprises a control means which preferably includes the controller. Preferably the controller is suitable for setting the temperature generated by the heating element to any of a plurality of incremental temperature levels and for setting of the airflow generated by the airflow assembly to any of a plurality of incrementable airflow levels.

In this way temperature and airflow provided during styling can be incrementally adjusted depending on the hair drying accessory attached to the device and upon user hair type. Advantageously this reduces damage to hair and enhances the hair styling finish.

The controller preferably comprises one or more temperature control means such as buttons for the tactile user input device. For example, the controller may comprise a temperature increase button and a temperature decrease button.

Alternatively, or additionally, the temperature control means may comprise one or more dials, switches or slide switches for the tactile user input device. The temperature control means may allow the user to cycle through a plurality of temperature presets which preferably correspond to the temperature levels.

The controller preferably comprises one or more airflow assembly control means such as buttons (for example, the controller may comprise an airflow rate increase button and an airflow rate decrease button, or may comprise a plurality of buttons each of which is associated with and sets specific airflow rate). Alternatively, or additionally, the airflow assembly control means may comprise one or more dials, switches or slide switches. The temperature control means may allow the user to cycle through a plurality of airflow rate presets which preferably correspond to the airflow levels.

Preferably the controller is connected to the power connection which the wand comprises, wherein the regulator regulates electricity from the power connection to the hair drying means according to the hair drying level selected by the user input and shown on the display.

Preferably the regulator regulates the electricity to a heating element which the hair drying means comprises for heating the air blown through the hair drying wand.

Preferably the regulator regulates the electricity to an airflow assembly which the hair drying means comprises for creating air flow of the air blown.

Preferably the tactile user input device is arranged for selecting a first hair drying level for regulating the electricity to the heating element and a second hair drying level for regulating the electricity to the airflow assembly.

Preferably the controller tactile user input device is arranged for selecting from a plurality of incremental hair drying levels.

The controller preferably comprises one or more display means, such as a screen. The display means may be an LCD screen. Preferably the LCD is arranged to show the hair drying level selected.

In some embodiments the display means may be for setting the temperature generated by the heating element at incremental levels and setting of the airflow generated by the airflow assembly incrementable levels, for example the display means may be a touch screen. Preferably the tactile user input includes the LCD display. Preferably the screen is a backlit screen.

The display means preferably displays the temperature and/or the airflow rate. Preferably there is a plurality of incremental pre-sets of hair drying levels for each or both of the temperature level and airflow rate of the blown air.

Preferably the controller comprises a thermometer for measuring and showing the temperature of the air blown though the wand. Preferably the display shows the temperature recorded by the thermometer or another temperature sensing means which may be comprised by the wand. Preferably the temperature sensing means is arranged for measuring the temperature of the air blown through the wand, wherein the temperature sensing means is in communication with the display showing the temperature sensed.

Temperature control means, airflow assembly control means and/or the display may be located on the exterior of the elongate housing. This may facilitate their use by a user.

In some embodiments, the controller is for setting the temperature generated by the heating element to any of the plurality of predetermined incremental temperature levels. For example, to a first low temperature, a second medium temperature, or a third high temperature. The predetermined temperatures may be in the range of 60 to 220 decrees Celsius, the incremental temperature levels may be separated by generally or substantially equal temperature increments, for example increments of 20 degrees Celsius.

Preferably the regulator regulates a calibrated level of electricity to the hair drying means to regulate the temperature of the air blown according the hair drying level selected with the tactile user input.

Preferably the regulator regulates electricity to the hair drying means to maintain the temperature sensed within a range determined by the hair drying level selected with the tactile user input. Preferably the regulator regulates electricity to the air flow assembly to control the temperature of the air blown.

Preferably the regulator regulates electricity to the heating element to control the temperature of the air blown.

Therefore preferably the controller is for setting the airflow rate generated by the airflow assembly to any of the plurality of predetermined incremental airflow levels by setting airflow rates. For example, to a first low rate, a second medium rate, or a third high rate.

Preferably the controller comprises the hair drying means.

In contrast to the prior art therefore and without limitation the present invention provides a wand device having an increased range of rotational and/or directional movements relative to the head of a user, and/or provides a hair treatment accessory which is arranged at one end and easily manipulable.

The elongate housing may be generally or substantially cylindrical and/or tubular, preferably such that it defines the shape of the hair drying wand. The housing may be dimensioned and/or otherwise adapted to be held in a user’s hand, for example the housing may be insulated. The housing may comprise a grip portion which may be defined by a portion of the surface thereof, this grip portion may for example be rubberised and/or moulded to the shape of the inside of a hand.

In this way the hair may be easier and more effectively styled with one hand, and/or all areas of the head may be effectively accessed to allow for a uniform drying process. This in particular enables comfortable hair drying and detangling, for example for children.

In some embodiments, the power connection is detachable from the elongate housing. For example, in such embodiments the wand comprises a rechargeable battery, and/or may be waterproofed, for use in a wet environment like a shower.

In others, in addition or the alternative, the power connection may be rotatable relative to the housing so as to enable fuller articulation and manipulation of the device in use.

The heating element preferably comprises a ceramic heating element. The ceramic heating element preferably comprises ceramic fins wrapped in nichrome wire.

Preferably the airflow assembly comprises at least one fan driven by a motor in which the fan is driven at different speeds to alter airflow.

In some embodiments, the first engagement feature is proximate the air outlet, for example, the first engagement feature may surround the air outlet.

Preferably the first engagement feature comprises one or more of: a screw threaded portion; a first torsion clip; a first squeeze clip; a magnetic connector; an opening or cavity shaped and dimensions to releasably engage a corresponding portion of a second torsion or second squeeze clip on the accessory(ies), and/or other releasable connection means.

In some embodiments, the hair drying wand may further comprise the at least one hair drying or styling accessory, in which the at least one hair drying or styling accessory comprises at least one second engagement feature for releasable engagement with the at least one engagement feature of the housing.

The at least one engagement feature provided by each of the housing and the at least one hair drying accessory preferably comprises one or more of: a screw threaded portion; a torsion clip; a squeeze clip; an opening or cavity shaped and dimension to releasably engage a portion of the torsion or squeeze clip.

In some embodiments and alternative engagement means may be provided for connecting the hair drying accessory to the device. For example, the accessory may be connected by a twist fit, snap fit, interlocking parts, magnetic means or other similar engagement means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hair drying wand apparatus comprising: a hair drying wand; and at least one of the hair drying accessories, wherein the at least one of the accessories comprises at least a second engagement feature for releasable engagement with the elongate housing of the wand.

The at least one hair drying accessory is preferably selected from: an afro comb; and/or diffuser; and/or detangling hair brush.

Preferably the first and second engagement features attach the at least one of the accessories to the housing where the airflow is directed by the outlet to flow along and/or through the at least one of the accessories when engaged to the wand.

Preferably the hair dryer comprises a detachable accessory including a comb bisecting an aperture in an apex of a dome for the air blown through the wand, wherein the dome includes a tongue extending inwards from a flexible rim.

Preferably the hair dryer comprises a housing for the air blown through the wand, wherein the housing includes an L shaped groove in a rim of an outlet for the air blown to receive the tongue in a twist to lock connection of the comb to the housing.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a front view of a hair dryer wand assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprising a detangling hairbrush, a diffuser, and an afro comb;

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of a rear view of the hair dryer wand assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a schematic exploded view of the hair dryer wand assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a hair dryer wand assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention comprising an afro comb;

Figure 5 shows a schematic illustration of a hair dryer wand assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention comprising a detangling hairbrush;

Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of a hair dryer wand assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention comprising a diffuser;

Figure 7 shows a side view of detachable accessory including a comb bisecting an aperture in an apex of a dome;

Figure 8 shows a view into the interior of the dome shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows an L shaped groove in a rim of an outlet for the housing of the hair dryer wand for receiving the detachable accessory shown in Figures 7 and 8;

Figure 10 shows a display a with a tactile user input for a controller.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures, the hair drying wand 10 comprises an elongate housing

12. The elongate housing 12 is substantially tubular in shape having a circular crosssection. It is however to be understood that the elongate housing may have any suitable cross-section and may be contoured and/or textured depending on the particular requirements for the wand.

The housing 12 may be composed of any suitable material. The housing 12 may be composed of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The housing may be contoured to provide for tactile grip. The housing may also provide thermal insulation. The housing may comprise a plurality of ergonomic grooves for grip.

The wand 10 comprises a power connection 14. The power connection 14 is provided at a first end 16 of the wand 10. It is however to be understood that the power connection 14 may be provided at any suitable location on the wand. The power connection 14 is releasably engaged to the first end 16 of the wand 10. The power connection 14 is rotatable relative to the housing 12.

In the pictured embodiment, the power connection 14 allows 360 degree rotation of the power connection 14 relative to the housing 12. Rotation is around the longitudinal axis of the tube.

The power connection 14 may be permanently connected to the wand 10. The power connection 14 may be given flex protection if permanently connected to the wand 10.

The wand 10 further comprises an air inlet 19. As shown in Figure 2, the air inlet is located at the first end 16 of the housing 12. The wand 10 further comprises an air outlet 20 located at a second opposed end 18 of the housing 12.

A heating element 21 is located within the housing 12 as shown in Figure 3. The heating element 21 is located in an air conduit formed by the housing. The air inlet 19 and air outlet 20 are openings at opposite ends of the conduit.

The heating element 21 comprises a ceramic heating element. The ceramic heating element comprises a plurality of ceramic fins 24 wrapped in nichrome wire.

The wand 10 further comprises an airflow assembly 22 for creating air flow extending from the air inlet 18 to the air outlet 20 such that the air flow extends through and exits the air outlet 20 in a direction extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate housing 12. The airflow assembly 22 is located in the conduit and attached to the housing 12.

The portion of the housing forming the portion of the conduit wherein the heating element 21 and the air flow assembly 22 are located in a portion of the housing 12 divisible into halves. The halves are divisible along longitudinal junctions.

As shown in Figure 10, there is on the housing 12 control panel 32 for a controller. The control panel includes a display with an LCD screen 30. The control panel also includes buttons 35 - 39 for tactile user input.

The LCD screen 30 includes a portion 33 for displaying temperature. The LCD screen 30 also includes a portion 34 for displaying air flow rate of the blown air. First, second and third levels of the flow rate are displayed by showing 1, 2 or 3 fans icons.

The control panel 32 enables the user to control the power of fan the air flow assembly

22. The control panel 32 also enables the user to control the power of the temperature heater 22 to control the temperature of the heated air flow. Buttons 35 to 39 are provided for controlling the air flow rate and the temperature of the blown air.

First button 35 is arranged to communicate with an electricity regulator for decreasing the temperature of the blown air. Second button 36 is arranged to communicate with an electricity regulator for increasing the temperature of the blown air.

Third button 37 is arranged of to communicate with an electricity regulator for decreasing the flow rate of the blown air. Fourth button 39 is arranged to communicate with the electricity regulator to increase the flow rate of blown air.

The electricity regulator is not shown. In various embodiments the electricity regulator comprises a switch, resistor, oscillator, transformer, voltage controller, current controller, or an electricity power controller.

Fifth button is 39 is arranged to operate a light which backlights the LCD screen 30.

The hair drying wand 10 further comprises a plurality of hair drying accessories as shown in the Figures. The hair accessories include for example an afro comb, a diffuser, and/or a detangling hairbrush.

In other embodiments, further accessories may be envisaged such as a standard hairbrush or comb.

As shown in Figures 1 to 6 each of the hair drying accessories comprises at least one second engagement feature 28 for releasable engagement with at least one first engagement feature 26 provided at the second end 18 of the housing 12.

As shown in the Figures, the at least one first engagement feature 26 at the second end 18 of the housing 12 of the wand 10 comprises a pair of spaced apart first recesses or openings shaped and dimensioned to receive the second engagement features 28 in the form of a pair of spaced apart second squeeze clips provided by the hair accessories.

It is however to be understood that the at least one first and second engagement features provided by each of the wand and the hair accessory respectively may be any one of: a first or second screw threaded portion on the wand and accessory respectively; a first or second torsion clip on the wand and accessory respectively; a first or second squeeze clip on the wand and accessory respectively.

A first opening or cavity 26 in the wand is shaped and dimensioned to releasably engage a corresponding portion of the second torsion or squeeze clip 28 in the accessory. Alternatively, a second opening or cavity in the accessory is shaped and dimensioned to releasably engage a corresponding portion of the first torsion or squeeze clip in the wand.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8 there is a detachable accessory 100 for the hair dryer in the form of wand.

The detachable accessory 100 includes a comb 50 which bisects an aperture 51 in the apex 52 of a dome 53. The aperture 51 provides an opening through which the air blown through the wand passes.

The accessory 100 includes a third engagement feature. The third engagement feature includes a tongue 55 extending inwards from a flexible rim 56 of the dome 53. For additional connection security, there is a second tongue 58 which is one hundred and eight degrees opposite on the flexible rim.

As shown in Figure 9 the housing 12 of the wand includes an L shaped groove 60 in a rim 61 of an outlet for the air blown to receive the tongue 55 or 58 in a twist-lock connection of the detachable accessory to the housing.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly, it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

Claims

1. A controller for affecting air blown through a hair drying wand comprising: a tactile user input on the wand for selecting a hair drying level, a display on the wand which shows the hair drying level selected, and an electricity regulator housed in the wand for regulating electricity supplied to a hair drying means which the wand comprises.

2. The controller according to claim 1 connected to a power connection which the wand comprises, wherein the regulator regulates electricity from the power connection to the hair drying means according to the hair drying level selected by the user input and shown on the display.

3. The controller according to claim 2 wherein the regulator regulates the electricity to a heating element which the hair drying means comprises for heating the air blown through the hair drying wand.

4. The controller according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the regulator regulates the electricity to an airflow assembly which the hair drying means comprises for creating air flow of the air blown.

5. The controller according to claim 4 dependent on claim 3 wherein the tactile user input device is arranged for selecting a first hair drying level for regulating the electricity to the heating element and a second hair drying level for regulating the electricity to the airflow assembly.

6. The controller according to preceding claim wherein the tactile user input device is arranged for selecting from a plurality of incremental hair drying levels.

7. The controller according to any preceding claim comprising a thermometer for measuring and showing the temperature of the air blown though the wand.

8. The controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a temperature sensing means for measuring the temperature of the air blown through the wand, wherein the temperature sensing means is in communication with the display showing the temperature sensed.

9. The controller according to any preceding claim wherein the regulator regulates a calibrated level of electricity to the hair drying means to regulate the temperature of the air blown according the hair drying level selected with the tactile user input.

10. The controller according to claim 8 wherein the regulator regulates electricity to the hair drying means to maintain the temperature sensed within a range determined by the hair drying level selected with the tactile user input.

11. The controller according to any one preceding claim dependent on claim 4 wherein the regulator regulates electricity to the air flow assembly to control the temperature of the air blown.

12. The controller according to any one of claims 5 to 10 dependent on claim 3 wherein the regulator regulates electricity to the heating element to control the temperature of the air blown.

13. The controller according to any preceding claim wherein the display comprises an LCD for showing the hair drying level selected.

14. The controller according to claim 13 wherein the tactile user input includes the LCD display.

15. The controller according to any preceding claim comprising the hair drying means.

16. A hair dryer in the form of a wand comprising the controller according to any preceding claim.

17. The hair dryer according to claim 16 comprising a detachable accessory including a comb bisecting an aperture in an apex of a dome for the air blown through the wand, wherein the dome includes a tongue extending inwards from a flexible rim.

18. The hair dryer according to claim 17 comprising a housing for the air blown through the wand, wherein the housing includes an L shaped groove in a rim of an outlet for the air blown to receive the tongue in a twist to lock connection of the detachable accessory to the housing.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1804608.6 Examiner: Emma Tonner